Arts in Education
F.A.C.E. (Families in Arts for Creativity and Building Esteem) is one element of the multi-faceted educational and supportive services offered by BETA Center for adolescent mothers enrolled in the school and residential programs. As BETA Center has learned, the expressive arts are an excellent, and essential, tool to engage vulnerable youth such as our teen mothers in their own learning. These young women come to BETA Center at one of the most stressful times of their lives. The arts program gives them a safe environment in which to express themselves. Many of them have had little or no exposure to the arts since early elementary school. The school-based arts programming occurs during the school day and also through the vehicle of an after-school program and Family Nights, which bring in extended families for education and skills building.
The F.A.C.E. program combines arts training in a wide variety of arts (visual arts, music, drama, and photography) with interpersonal, conflict resolution and esteem building activities and also fosters parental involvement to reinforce skills building and facilitate youth's successful transition into adulthood. The program is a multi-sensory approach to self-expression but is securely grounded in the fundamentals. Instruction in each specific discipline provides a foundation from which the student can express herself in the way that best complements her individuality. The arts program faculty members are professional artists who bring their passion for the arts and expertise in their respective fields into the classroom. Individually and as a team they are able to create an environment of self-acceptance, allowing students the freedom to create without judgment or reservation.
The message of self-worth is delivered though public performances given by the performing arts students throughout the year, which give them a chance to tell their own stories and applaud their individual achievements. Students learn the value of 'giving back' by performing at public events. Their confidence and self-esteem rises with every performance.
Students in the Visual Arts program are exposed to the history and cultural importance of both historic and contemporary artists. Techniques are taught that improve and refine their fine motor skills. As their skill level increases, so does their confidence. Students in the F.A.C.E. program are transformed from teens that profess to have no talent into engaged and expressive artists. They learn to value themselves, their children and their communities.
Public exhibits of the art created by students sends a strong message of empowerment and validation. They begin to see themselves as artists and learn to appreciate their own work and the work of their peers. "The Story of Me", which showcased the work of BETA students, was exhibited in 2007 at the ARTport Gallery at the Orlando International Airport and also at Orlando City Hall. The public is given a glimpse into the life of young teenage mothers who are rising to the challenge of not simply surviving, but flourishing. Three of our students artwork was chosen for the permanent collection at the Orlando Museum of Art.
The F.A.C.E. program is a growing area of focus for BETA Center and one we have earmarked for continued expansion. We consider it a critical element to engage high-risk youth and families in their own learning and skill development.
The best explanation of what the program achieves comes from the students themselves. Recently a former student wrote, "Thank you for teaching me that I can do anything."