This project will address the lack of Cultural Awareness among people of color to the Lorain County communities. The project CALM was created by Jeff Pye as an art workshop for people to have the opportunity to experience the joy of painting and basic techniques. The project has served as a means to thwart to possibilities of unwarranted boredom for youth and adults since the pandemic condition that we have been currently finding ourselves under. 

Adults have been inclined to find something to stimulate their needs through visual change to their home environment. This has attracted mostly mothers and single-parent families to redecorate their space with a painting or drawing to bring excitement in their home. Moreover, the excitement is even greater because they personally achieve and tap into their own creativity. 

The Start w/Art also serves youth during the weekend on Saturdays mid-morning from 10 am-1 pm to come and learn basic art theories and various art projects. The young artists have grown to work together as a team and build social skills while in their workshop. They are also given snacks or lunch and are able to engage in physical activities at the center. This helps in promoting and developing youth self-esteem and leadership skills. The perimeter of the workshop allows the parents to have respite time to take care of business while they know their child is safe and in good care.