Mentor Arts matches artistic youth with adults for relationships based on friendship and a mutual love of the arts. Mentor pairs meet once a week over an extended period of time. Each week, pairs spend time in art studios and classrooms learning together, learning from each other and becoming friends. While art is a central focus and interest of the pair, mentors and youth also share many other interests including hiking, skateboarding, science, ice cream, and more. Curious about what it might be like to be a mentor? Want to see the Burlington City Arts studios and make art with kids? Check out a Mentor Arts Activity Open House!Tuesday May 13th, BCA Clay Studio, 250 Main Street, 3pm to 5pm
Tuesday, May 27th, Firehouse Center 3rd Floor, 135 Church Street, 3pm to 6pm
Monday June 9th, BCA Community Darkroom, Firehouse Center Lower Level, 135 Church Street, 3pm to 6pm

For more information, contact Melissa Stiebert, BCA Community Programs Coordinator at 802-865-9163 or mstiebert@ci.burlington.vt.us.

Mentoring enriches the lives of both adults and youth. At its most basic level, mentoring guarantees a young person that there is someone who cares about them and is there to help deal with day-to-day worries. Studies have shown that young adults are more likely to succeed in school and in life if they have a positive and supportive relationship with an adult. A mentor brings stability and consistency to youth who otherwise wouldn’t have enough adult attention.

Adult mentors benefit by how much the mentoring process enriches their own lives. The satisfaction of being an important presence in a child’s life is a significant reward. Working with a young person is a creative process, and a fun one. Learning how to be no more and no less than a supportive, caring friend can be a great challenge, and a great gift.

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