Discoveries and Art Solutions (D.ART.S) consists of two programs dedicated to the freedom of artistic expression. Co-leaders Melanie Brown and Jackie Czerniak will act as supporters and mentors to participants throughout their journey through the programs.
Art Discoveries: A program designed to allow participants to attend an open art studio environment with no filters. The program focuses on individual growth, self-awareness and self-reflection, giving each participant the opportunity to express themselves and share their voice with others. Various art materials are provided for individuals to create their own gallery-ready pieces they can choose to display at gallery fundraisers.
Melanie and Jackie will implement weekly art interventions such as art journaling and painting exercises to increase creativity and free-thinking. This program allows a space for each participant to feel unrestricted creatively, and as though they can produce the art that they choose.
Art Solutions: A program designed to blend current world issues with art creations in order to bring awareness and potential solutions to the chosen topics. Participants have the opportunity to work closely with their peers to discuss, problem-solve, and debate these topics while creating their finished pieces.
The art in this program will be worked and re-worked by the artist to be suitable for the MACC gallery show and additional art shows in the community. Melanie and Jackie will mentor participants in the program and implement learned tools to help each individual meet their true artistic potential.
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Classes will be every other Wednesday 6-8pm – $20 month
For dates and more info contact Melanie and Jackie!
Jackie Czerniak – Jackie has a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art from Westfield State University, and in 2013 earned her Master of Science in Art Therapy and Counseling from Springfield College. She is currently working as a Program Director for a day treatment program in Massachusetts, where she works closely with the Department of Mental Health to provide mental health treatment to struggling youth.
Additionally, she works as an In-Home Therapist and is responsible for providing family therapy to those in the community. Jackie utilizes art therapy whenever possible in her day to day treatment, and is extremely passionate about the positive effect art has on those she serves.
Melanie Brown – Melanie graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2011 with her Master of Arts in Education. She currently teaches Integrated Science at Suffield High School, and has previously taught for three years at Illing Middle School in Manchester. She was fortunate to work as an advisor next to David Lee for Manchester’s Odyssey of the Mind student groups in 2012, accompanying them to Iowa to compete in the world finals.
Melanie is passionate for art and photography, and during the summers she can be found photographing weddings, families, and events. She enjoyed her time working in the Manchester school system and is looking forward to reconnecting with the community through Young @ Art.
FUN FACT: Jackie and Melanie have been best friends for the past fifteen years and they often complete each other’s sentences. They have spent many years together creating paintings, taking photographs, and learning about the arts, and they are more than excited to begin this new art endeavor together.