The need for creative outlets for the youth has never been more necessary than today. Throughout the past year, the world has seen a prevalence of unforeseen events that have inescapable effects for everybody, but especially for those who are still learning to navigate the world. The City of Socorro introduced the Socorro Youth !n Culture program, also represented as SY!C, to solidify the existence of a safe and engaging space for the Socorro youth amidst troubling times. Instructor of the program Andy Gomez, spoke briefly about the program and what it offers to children and teens in Socorro. “We are an art program specifically designed for children and teens between the ages of 5-17 in the City of Socorro and surrounding areas,” he explained. “Here you can learn step by step instructions on various topics, technics, and mediums. We also have challenges and contests, or you can do some hands on with our Take Home Projects and Art Camps.” Outside of the artistic benefits, the program proves to contribute to the shaping and development of character as well as overall intellect for participants. Fellow instructor and teacher at Socorro High School, Lourdes Aguilar detailed the benefits for participants that go beyond art. “I think we need to provide more opportunities for the Socorro youth to expose them to the arts,” she stated. “Giving the Socorro youth access to the arts improves their social skills, provides intellectual challenges, problem-solving and may keep them away from negative social behavior.” The artists themselves are a testament to the benefits of visual arts. Andy, who holds art as an aspect of his personal legacy, explains that art holds more significance than just being visually appealing. “Art creates an endless opportunity for self-expression, with so many mediums and styles to choose from,” he explained. “But to me, art is more than a passion, an outlet, or a form of expression. It means that as a creator we are not shackled down to producing the same task day after day.” The program, which launched March of 2020, hopes to keep expanding and create more opportunities for exposure to art within the Socorro community. “My hope is that the program continues to grow and provide opportunities for the Socorro youth and beyond,” Lourdes said. “I hope to see a city gallery or museum in the future, where local art can be promoted and encouraged.” Andy wants to see the program continue its immense success and eventually become more diverse and branch out to art mediums that aren’t just limited to visual arts. “My personal goal is to make the program successful and help guide the youth to be positive contributors to society in and out of the art world,” he said. “My future goals for the program are to establish a permanent home for SY!C and to continue providing high quality art lessons for the youth as well as new and exciting experiences such as music, dance, and augmented reality.” When the time comes for the program to continue progressing, and the current instructors to leave, Lourdes hopes to have made a powerful impact on her students and to have opened up a new route of self-therapy when the world becomes difficult to navigate. “I hope that when I walk away from this program, I can feel that I have been able to help students gain a sense of self-pride and accomplishment,” she said. “The arts are a great outlet in dealing with a variety of emotions. Students need this kind of outlet, especially during these times that we have experienced.”
