ArtForce Iowa

4/3/2024

As artists, being heard and valued is key to creativity, belonging and a reflection in their artwork. For young people who have been in the court system, suffered homelessness, or are immigrants, it can be a challenge. Expressing oneself through art can offer healing and provide hope.

That’s where ArtForce Iowa comes in. ArtForce is a nonprofit located in Mainframe Studios. The organization’s mission is to create opportunities for Des Moines area youth to transform their lives through art. 

The unique beginning was conceived by a convicted felon who was serving jail time when he came across a teaching artist. As he was writing two novels, he became intrigued with the artist, thinking if he had positive interactions with adults, maybe his life might be different. He wanted to help youth and offer art programs to struggling kids.

ArtForce consists of two programs. The Pathways Program offers art classes to youth who are in the juvenile or family court system or with behavioral issues for ages 12-19.

Art educators provide healing and engagement workshops for the youth. They also work with those in group homes, detention centers and abuse victims, as well as attending local school programs.

Christine Her, executive director, says, “We are the only youth arts program statewide providing healing engagement workshops. We want to share human experiences of all people. Then they can be less afraid of each other and our differences.”

Kamaura Kim, educator, arrives at juvenile detention centers, bringing art supplies. They spend the whole time creating art. 

“It’s providing authentic engagements with students. We provide social emotional workshops,” she says. “During workshops, they can tell their story and feel like they are being heard. Many can’t do that in school, for fear of not being accepted for who they are.”

A second aspect of ArtForce is the Heroes Program. Claudia Kyalangalilwa, director of Heroes, works with refugees and immigrants, offering workshops at schools. An important aspect is meeting kids where they are — physically, plus providing meals. Doing this reduces transportation barriers, especially for kids in shelters. Claudia says they create an ecosystem. 

“We walk into schools where kids can feel safe and be seen. We’re not an overbearing adult, and we offer a non-judgmental space to create art,” she explains. “It’s important for people to tell their stories outside their communities.”

Videos tell students’ unique stories of their backgrounds. Student artwork has appeared on murals in schools, which is uplifting. Christine says murals provide pride. 

“Kids take pics of the murals. The mural’s content are things that kids value. Kids say, ‘This is real, this is where I come from.’ The mural helps show what success looks like, and kids tell the truth,” she says. 

Students also sell their artwork and receive 75% of the profit; minus the 25% of art supplies cost, for “real world” experiences. 

“One student hustled and made $1,000 with their art. They think about what their time is worth,” says Christine.

ArtForce Iowa is sponsored by grants, companies and public support. Students and staff are also hired to do marketing, graphic design, DEI support and other art endeavors to raise funds. ArtForce sells art during the “First Fridays” at Mainframe Studios. 

A “Know Justice: Legacies” youth art exhibit is celebrated on May 2 at Mainframe Studios. Christine encourages people to attend to open their minds. 

“Get started in your own journey to recognize biases,” she says. “If we want a kinder world, it’s not just the kids; it’s adults, too.” ♦