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Located in Baltimore Maryland’s south side between a church and a market exist a staple of the community like no other. The building plainly bears the name Access Art, however inside; an exploration of the minds of our youth is taking place as it only could through art.

Youthlight is an afterschool arts program with a strong focus on photography and media literacy.  The program is a 40 week long program with curriculum that is created to be unique from year to year. The photography aspect has been credited with allowing the youth to empower themselves, build leadership skills, and explore their creativity.  While the media literacy portion exposes the youth to discussions with guest speakers, inventive exercises and social issues.

Looking at some of the student’s work is almost like looking into someone’s diary. The work that they have produced over the time they have spent in the program, and many of them outside of it, is nothing short of inspiring. The photographs that are obviously personal are usually the best. They feel raw and gritty, while at the same time being overwhelmingly expressive; it’s hard to evoke the feelings you get gazing at some of these pieces. They seem to reveal so much about the people involved, and by extension the creator, because these are such personal pieces.

The program has been effective in advancing the lives of the local youth in countless ways. Students have been able to develop portfolios of work containing a caliber of work capable of gaining national attention.  The work of participants has been displayed in a plethora of venues including the Baltimore Museum of Art, Evergreen house, and the Walter’s Art Museum; a feat sure to build self-esteem. Several of the students have received both high school and collegiate scholarships due to the body of work they created in the Youthlight program. Students have attested that the program has helped them gain a focus on academics in addition to leveling their behavior. Many afterschool programs have claims that they help our youth, but not many of them can say that they actually explore and capture what was “amiss”.

For more information contact:

Marshall Clark
Youthlight Director

2446 Washington Blvd.
Baltimore MD 21230

Tel. 443-831-3011
youthlight@mac.com

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