Through its Creative H.E.R.O. (Health Expression Reclaiming Originality) Art Program, Ordinarie Heroes brought opportunities for artistic expression to teens at Youth Emergency Service for several weeks this summer.
Ordinarie Heroes provided the supplies and guidance for the youth to work on projects that were both creative and self-reflective. YES residents were able to express how they felt about themselves and the world around them through painting, and air-dry clay sculpting.
Teens had the opportunity to use art to develop positive self-affirmations. Two collaborative art pieces helped to reinforce team work. Paintings from each session are displayed at YES. One collaborative piece hangs in the Urban Art Gallery in West Philadelphia.
“It was fun, different. I had to use my imagination with some of the supplies. I was surprised how creative I could be,” said one YES resident who participated in the projects.
“We feel as though we are a part of YES and they are a part of us. The beauty of the art is not only found in the paint, or the clay, or the canvas. It’s found in the connections that we made with each teenager who shared their time with us,” said Ron Toles, Ordinarie Heroes founder.
Ordinarie Heroes is a nonprofit organization that works toward positive change in Philadelphia communities. With the help and passion of volunteers, Ordinarie Heroes operates a youth mentoring program, summer movie events, an art program, and community service projects.