ARS Gallery, Arts, and Culture Center is celebrating 14 years of cultural arts in Benton Harbor.
14 years ago, the foundation opened starting with its summer camps and has evolved into a community art center offering cultural, language, and fine arts for all ages and outreach programs with a focus on underserved youth in the community.
ARS president and founder Anna Russo-Siber has continued with her mission of serving the underserved youth and provide them with a unique art experience each summer.
“14 years of a lower social economic, developing, rebirthing community, if you will, being in Benton Harbor,” Russo said. “I’ve seen development and change and we’re all on board together. It’s a community effort. That’s what it’s been about, and that’s what we’ve done.”
After completing the youth camp last week, ARS is gearing up for its Teen Open Studio Camp, for ages 13 to 18, starting July 15 to July 19. Students will have a chance to use a wide variety of resources and art supplies to develop artistic skills, critical thinking, and visual problem-solving. Teens will have the opportunity to create and develop original works of art in painting, sculpting, mosaics, and more.
“Having fun, educating youth that would never in a billion years have the opportunity to learn these things or get these classes and then while we’re at it we offer life skills. So it’s working beautifully.”
On July 13, ARS will host a open-house event in celebration of its 14 years. Three former students will be in attendance showing off their work, in addition to live music from Citadel Dance and Music Center. From 4 to 6 p.m., community members will have a chance to check out art and more.
For more information about the teen camp or 14th year celebration, visit arsartsandculture.org.
