Below is a partial list of artists, child-field workers, organizations and others who have indicated their affinity and support for the CREATE Project; have proposed specific projects and are looking for community sponsors; or who have participated in past CREATE Project programming.

CREATE OLD SONGS/NEW OPPORTUNITIES:
Using Traditional Song To Educate And Bond With Children

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kelly Armor, Folkorist Musician hopes to collaborate with a Dunkirk/Fredonia area agency to replicate and expand an innovative program (OSNO) Armor developed at the Erie Art Museum, Erie, PA. Through the OSNO (“Old  Songs, New Opportunities”) Program, former refugees and other newcomer populations will be trained to work in early learning centers and to use their traditional children’s songs on the job. Teachers, parents, and children will learn traditional songs. Empowered to sing, they will use song in many ways in their homes and daycares. Children will be more engaged with a richer social and sonic environment. More music will sharpen their ears and improve language and communication. More music will bring smoother transitions in daily activities. More music will build children’s social and academic skills. Armor hopes to expand the program by showing how traditional song can be used to reinforce positive child-rearing practices. Parents from traditional cultures instinctively use song to bond with and educate their young. The CREATE “Old Songs, New Opportunities” program will be targeted to help families understand and prevent child abuse in our community.

WRITING FOR CHILDREN:
Child-advocacy Through The Written Word

Steve Keefe, writer and past Mayor of Fredonia, with Atheanasia Landis, past Mayor of Fredonia, hope to collaborate in a writing project to advocate on behalf of children. Steve Keefe commented, “The youth are the most valuable asset any community has. We need to make sure they are respected, educated, clothed, fed, sheltered and treated in a manner that will help them succeed in their future.” Athenasia Landis stated, “I am a doctor. As a doctor I met (child) cases that were abused. I spoke to them and their parents. It was heart-breaking. To me, to see kids suffering is one of the worst things happening. The emotional wounds never go away. I cried many times. I am very excited to be part of a project that is going to look a a problem through the eyes of a child.
Steve Keefe, writer and past Mayor of Fredonia, and Atheanasia Landis, past Mayor of Fredonia, hope to collaborate in a writing project to advocate on behalf of children.

“The youth are the most valuable asset any community has. We need to make sure they are respected, educated, clothed, fed, sheltered and treated in a manner that will help them succeed in their future.”
– Steve Keefe

CANVASS FOR CHILDREN: Painted Canvas Bag Project

Figurative oil painter Susan Forrester-MacKay hopes to collaborate with a local community partner in developing a painted canvass bag project with children. The children will carry their precious possessions in their bags. Forrester-MacKay hopes the bags will come to symbolize the CREATE Project mission, in carrying our community’s most precious possession, our children.

 

 

 

PAINTING THE FUTURE BRIGHT:
Youth Painting Classes & Exhibition

Artist Pam Czarniak and the Dunkirk Free Library hope to collaborate on developing a series of painting classes for children, which will culminate in a public exhibition of their work. It is hoped that this program will help enhance the children’s self-esteem and ability to express themselves.

“I would like to share art with children to help them grow. learn and dream. I hope to teach an art class that concludes with an art show.” — Pam Czarniak, artist

 

 

 

CREATING GENERATIONS OF CARING:
Inter-generational Family History Program

Tradition-bearer and retired Social Studies teacher, Sally Olow hope to collaborate in developing an intergenerational family history program. Olow hopes to help children interview their families, create artistic family trees, and to research and write stories concerning their family history.

 

 

 

 

 

SONG FOR CHILDREN:
Composing Music/Performing With Children

Robin Grandin

Robin Grandin, Composer, Singer, and Musician, hopes to collaborate with a community partner in writing and composing music for an original song, which she will perform with a local children’s choral group. Robin Grandin and Mike Haley created the acclaimed rock duo, “Rockin Robin.”

“My mission is to help children and people of all ages find “the music within.”  Music is something you can always count on, no matter what happens.  I want to create an uplifting song to give children a chance to share music and harmony with each other and their community.”

– Robin Grandin

A CHILD’S IMAGINATION: A Poetry & Art Project

 

 

 

 

 

Linnea Carlson, writer, hopes to create a book of poetry inspired by the imaginative works of area children and the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets. Though an artistic workshop, Carlson hopes collaborate with children serviced by the Salvation Army in the creation of a book. She hopes to collaborate with a graphic artist who will assist with the book design. 

“Raising awareness on the needs of children and learning as a community how we can make children’s lives more positive is something that is very close  to my heart. I am very excited to be part of it!”
– Linnea Carlson

 

NATURE CHILD: A Nature-Art Community Project

Social visionary Carol Ludwig hopes to explore the potential of an aquaponics exhibit to showcase the intersection of nature, art, children, and the community. She hope to collaborate with a local agency in the service of providing food and support to families in need.

Aquaponics Project