program archive:

the home/environment program

‘s first collaborative project was a youth-led design initiative with kids living in a group home in costa mesa, california.

we worked with the young residents to develop art, design and environmental projects to improve their home living environment, encourage creativity and environmental stewardship.

how:

1:

meet the residents, introduce the project.

2:

design-lab. we teamed with the residents to develop the projects. we asked them what they need and want & facilitate time to make drawings, models & sketches of their ideas.

from this process, as a group, we decided on the projects that seemed most important to the residents and most feasible from a design, construction and resource perspective.

3:

make.

we provided materials, guidance and other necessities to carry out the projects with the residents.

why:

it is our hope that this project will not only provide the residents with with a renewed sense of pride in their living environment, but also, build team-working skills, provide creative inspiration, environmental awareness, human connection and mentorship along the way.

images above are of the final installation of the wall-displays in the group home. the displays are made from bamboo donated by calibamboo and are displaying photos taken by the residents of the group home during the two photography excursions we had with them to the ecology center in san juan capistrano and zoomars petting zoo, also in san juan capistrano. the display will remain permanently in the group home for current and future residents to display their creative work.

project ernie

supports young talent. project ernie is an on-going program. we work with young artists from underserved communities to foster their creative talents. we share our insight and professional skills with these young people in the areas of critique, display, and marketing of their work. we feature these artists and their creative work on our site. proceeds from the sales of their work go toward the funding of this on-going program. the goal of is to provide these young people with the tools to further their success in life and the continued pursuit of their creativity.

our first project ernie featured young artist and namesake of the project is ernie lopez:

ernie grew up in california and orange county. as a senior at the back bay high school, he enjoys skateboarding, art and music. ernie looks forward to traveling the world and pursuing a career in art and design. support project ernie by purchasing a piece of ernie’s work from our online shop.

any young person interested and willing to commit their time and creativity to working with may participate in this program. contact us for more information: info@loveartand.org