Young Artists in Service is a group of youth, inspired to lead other youth in expressive arts as a means to personal insight, fellowship, and community service.  The participating youth are mostly comprised of Peace Leaders from the Global Youth Peace Summit and One Village Project.  These amazing youth serve their community by creating inspiring murals around Austin and providing free art lessons (every other Sunday) to under-served children at places like the Hope Farmer’s Market and the Amala Foundation Community Center. The program is led by gifted artist and teacher Jean-Pierre (JP) Verdijo.

The youth of the Young Artists In Service program have completed beautiful and uplifting murals at Casa Marianella, a shelter for immigrants in Austin as well as more recently at the Austin Children’s Shelter.  To see a video of these inspired youth in service to their community at the Austin Children’s Shelter click here.  If you know of any potential mural spaces in Austin, please contact JP Verdijo at JP@amalafoundation.org.

Sunday Offering

Recently, Young Artists In Service has shifted their focus to their home community at the Amala Foundation and to those who have little or no access to the arts. They are currently holding space at the Amala Foundation every other Sunday (please check Event Calendar for details).  All are welcome to attend and participate.

The Sunday offering begins with yoga (in the sanctuary when possible) and is followed by a community meal.  Once properly grounded and fed, they begin their art project for the day, serving the children of our beloved community.  Some Sundays begin the same, but after lunch, the group loads up in the Amala van and heads off to work with homeless youth, bereavement groups and the elderly.  With these Sunday offerings, the spirit of compassionate service meets the spontaneity of the creative endeavor in a playful enriching afternoon.   If you’re inspired to contribute to the efforts of the Young Artists In Service, there are many ways to plug in. The program is continually sourcing space holders, volunteer yoga instructors and cooks for the Sunday service gatherings; CLICK HERE to volunteer.

To REGISTER YOUR CHILD (ages 6-13) for the Sunday Art Lessons, please click below (please check Event Calendar for times/dates).

SFC Farmers’ Market at Sunset Valley

The Young Artists in Service are now serving children at the SFC Farmers’ Market at Sunset Valley (Toney Burger Center, 3200 Jones Road). Led by two amazing young women (and talented artists), Nany Zepeda and Crystal Schreiber, the Young Artists in Service program provides free art lessons and instruction to children every Saturday at the Farmer’s Market.  Please come by our booth, bring your children, say hello and/or serve alongside our young artists if you feel inspired.

Our Partners

The Amala Foundation would like to thank Jerry’s Artarama who is a vital supporter of the Young Artists In Service Program.  Through this partnership and the generosity of Jerry’s Artarama, the youth of the Young Artists In Service program have been able been able to bring their love of art to communities in need across the city.  Thank you, Jerry’s Artarama; we appreciate your support.

We Need Your Support

The Young Artists In Service program is currently trying to raise money for their next mural in Austin.  It costs approximately $1,800 to complete a mural.  For more information on the Young Artists In Service program and how you can get involved, please email JP Verdijo at JP@amalafoundation.org.

Wish List

• Yoga Volunteers & Cooks for Sunday Gatherings
• Art Supplies
• Mural Opportunities – Have a wall that needs love?  Contact us at JP@amalafoundation.org
• Grant Writer/Researcher
• Photoshop Expert/Designer
• Computer/IT Support

Volunteer

At the Amala Foundation, we recognize that the most direct way to experience a fuller life is to serve others. We unite those seeking more meaningful lives with those in great need by channeling this into humanitarian service projects that matter like Young Artists In Service.

Austin’s Children Shelter Mural

Last December, over the course of two weeks, youth and volunteers from the Young Artists in Service Program created a beautiful and inspiring mural at the Austin’s Children Shelter.  Prior to creating the mural, the youth and volunteers gathered with the children of the shelter to connect and get a feel for their stories, hopes, fears, concerns and dreams.  The result of this sharing was a mural that brings happiness, joy and hope to the children of the shelter everyday.  To get a glimpse into this beautiful experience, please take a look at the slideshow we created below.  The Amala Foundation is currently looking for other opportunities in Austin to create inspiring murals.  If you have any suggestions or ideas, please contact JP Verdijo: JP@amalafoundation.org.

Young Artists Media/Press

Jean Pierre Verdijo, director of Young Artists in Service, was recently interviewed for Bread for the Journey in an episode called Igniting the Fire of Creative Service. To listen to the interview please click here.