Olliesha, 16, is a member of Artists United for Christ. She and others in the program benefit from items provided by World Vision’s Storehouse in Dallas.

October 2008

By Mary Peterson and Annie Provencher, World Vision U.S.

Olliesha Hardin is just 16 years old, and she's a commissioned artist.

Her mother, Denise, recalls the day her daughter's painting was delivered; Olliesha's stepfather hung the large oil painting above the mantle.

"It was maroon, light green, beige, and gold. Oh, it was just beautiful," says Denise.

Artists United for Christ

Olliesha discovered her passion for art through Artists United for Christ, a program for youth in Dallas, Texas. Founder Gwen Davis is passionate about employing art to motivate, educate, and help discipline youth.

"Statistics have shown that programs like our art program have a great impact on their minds," says Gwen. "I've seen the change with these children."

World Vision in the United States

World Vision's Storehouse in Dallas — one of 10 such locations across the United States where corporately donated supplies are organized and managed for distribution to those in need — has provided Gwen with a number of supplies for the program, supporting her work to teach and encourage kids. "You all help make this possible," she says.

Such provisions are making a difference for youth like Olliesha.

The teenager has a shy side, and Denise has seen a huge change in her since she joined the program: "She's excelled in school now. She has just opened up totally. She has confidence. And she lights up when she's drawing."

Attitudes changing

Gwen holds four- to six-week-long workshops in the summer for groups of 20 to 25 youth. "I can't reiterate enough how much the attitudes of our children have changed. They were rebellious — not disciplined enough in some areas, not focused enough in some areas."

Through the workshops, participants learn to paint landscapes, still-lifes, and abstracts. They learn they have individual worth as well as a marketable skill.

Gwen organizes art exhibits of their work and holds silent auctions. A percentage of the proceeds go into the pockets of the young artists.

Community empowerment

"They know if the artwork is not at a certain level, chances are, it's not going to be exhibited," says Gwen. "So they need discipline to do it; they need to listen. They have to have some real focus. They have to have some imagination."

This outlet and boost of confidence is essential in some parts of Texas, where childhood poverty is significantly higher than in most of the United States. In Dallas alone, one out of five children is raised in poverty.

Describing how the program doesn't just keep youth off the streets, Olliesha concludes: "They get real excited. And they just keep painting over and over, doing different paintings. After they do one, they get another idea and start another."