Lovegrove To Make Work of Art with Local Youth

By Melissa Terry

Kids who attend The Bridge Youth Center's Friday night program on April 2 are in for an extra special treat. They will take part in one of local artist Leoma Lovegrove's interactive, multimedia art projects called "Painting Out Loud." During the exhibition, Bridge kids will dress in disposable paint suits and throw paint onto a giant canvas under Lovegrove's direction. Music, lights and special effects will add to the magic of this event.

"We are so excited about this wonderful opportunity for our kids to work with such a creative and well-known local artist. Leoma's willingness to come and mentor local youth is so inspiring and very much appreciated by both the staff and the kids," says Melissa Terry, director of The Bridge Youth Center. "I can't wait to see the masterpiece they create together."

About Leoma Lovegrove

Lovegrove currently makes her home in Matlacha, Fla., but her works are displayed in numerous galleries throughout the world. Her art is instantly recognizable for its exuberant technique and tropical color palette. She is constantly creating unique opportunities and unusual outlets for her works to manifest themselves.

About The Bridge Youth Center

Forced to close its doors in December due to lack of funding, The Bridge Youth Center (www.urbanteens.org) re-opened March 5 at its original location -- 2128 Cleveland Ave.

Supported by private sponsors and local churches, the Bridge Youth Center offers programs and services to youth ages 11-18 including physical fitness; tutoring; computer lab; FCAT, ACT and SAT prep; GED; resume help; job placement and life skills. The Bridge Youth Center also is an ACCESS partner which provides kids-in-need the ability to apply for government assistance. In addition, every Tuesday the youth center offers a Hurts & Habits class that helps teens face tough issues with the help of each other and the center's staff, many volunteers and mentors. Hours of operation are: Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Bridge is one of the only faith-based, non-profit 501C3 youth centers operating in the five-county area. It is not supported by, or affiliated with, any specific church.

For more information on Lovegrove visit www.leomalovegrove.com/index.html. For more information on The Bridge Youth Center go to www.urbanteens.org or send an e-mail to melatthebridge@gmail.com.