Art Catapults Kids

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(Locator: Chattanooga, Tenn.)

The oversized slingshot acts as catalyst for these young Picassos causing an art explosion in a field behind Christ United Methodist Church.

How can art impact academic performance? The creative release is a reward for a successful summer morning of hitting the books. This United Methodist neighborhood center – fondly called “the Beth” – provides math and English tutoring for inner-city children, most of whom tested below grade level at the end of the school year.

Jenny Smith/“Moms on a Mission” art program: “The kids are taking wet painted tennis balls and literally catapulting them with a slingshot onto these canvases we’ve painted.”

Jenny Smith and more than a dozen women call themselves “Moms on a Mission.” Their objective: focus these middle school students on their in-born talent, and encourage them to create a masterpiece with their own lives.

Sierra Daniels/Art Student: “It makes me feel special.”

The finished pieces are more than special – they’re sought after. In fact, the local BMW dealership plans to hang some of these finished pieces in their new showroom.

A professional artist herself, Jane Newman teaches as an expression of faith.

Jane Newman/“Moms on a Mission” art program: “I think it’s our mission. God gives each of us a gift, and we’re supposed to use that gift.”

She says art inspires change.

The combination of art and academics gives the students tools and inspiration to take their best shot in school.

The experience revealed a powerful truth to Jeremy Davis.

Jeremy Davis/Student: “I did a very good job.”

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The art created during the summer program is auctioned, and those funds help pay the expenses for the literacy program next summer.

For more details about the program, contact Becky Hall, at Christ United Methodist Church at 423-892-9363.