Several years ago, I had a conversation regarding the difficulties teens experienced and what could help.  From that conversation, a dream began in my heart and mind. I acknowledge that the dream, and now our vision, can have originated from God.  For several years I prayed, asked questions, talked to a few others about this dream, and wondered why God would want me to do something like this. More times than I could count, I realized this dream given by God was much larger than me, would take a significant number of dedicated people, and a tremendous amount of cash to see it thrive.  But I knew it was a possibility because ANYTHING is possible for God!  That knowledge made me aware that God’s plan for Art Minors Inc would succeed.

I acknowledged that if I could get others to really “see” the vision, it would have the ability to change the face of Chillicothe, one child and one family at a time.  I am thankful that, with the dream, God gave me the vision to see the children who would walk through our doors and the opportunity to plant a seed in the hearts of each of those children. As we water, fertilize, prune, and communicate with that seed, we will see the results of our labor.  I can also feel the ecstatic excitement and delirious joy that comes when you know you have accomplished the assignment Jesus gave you.  There is not a feeling in this world that can match that kind of happiness!  – Linda Long Cozad, Founder of Art Minors Inc. on our vision for the students & staff of Art Minors.

The Beginning Of Proteges

When they walk in the front doors of the God provided building, a staff member will greet the child and his parents or caregivers and determine the interests and needs of the child, whether financial support (scholarship) will be necessary, and establish a start date.  The staff member will explain the requirements to become and maintain student residency; that we are a faith-based non-profit, teaching a Christian worldview which includes a personal relationship with Jesus, and that we desire to keep their child in our program until they graduate high school.  When the child graduates from high school, we will assist them in furthering their education in the arts or help them seek employment.  After the paperwork has been completed to enroll the child, parents are granted a tour of our facility and shown where the varied art mediums are taught.

A Treat For The Parents

The First Treat

While walking through the building, they will see cars, trucks, and boats redesigned into desks. They will also see large easels with bins full of paints, chalks, pastels, brushes, palettes, sand and other components. These utensils serve to continuously spark a child’s interest and creativity, two powers right at their fingertips.  They will move through the pottery area where potters’ wheels are in use.  Next, they will watch the techniques of a seasoned potter. Seemingly, they view the location where molded pieces of pottery are fired. and then watch as the artwork is removed from the kiln to be finished with paint, glaze, or another choice.

The Second Treat

Next stop will be the machinery area where students, guided by artists, teachers, and assistants work with metals and woods.  Cutting, sawing, welding, hammering, measuring, and programming the computer-controlled laser machine for cutting intricate designs will yield accomplished works of art.

The Third Treat

En route to the elevator, which will take them to the second floor, they will pass by our culinary department, a fully equipped commercial kitchen, where our master chef instructs our student chefs in how to prepare extraordinary delicacies that will whet the palettes of all who are fortunate enough to partake!

The Fourth Treat

As they step off the elevator, they are wowed by the vastness and beauty of our performing arts department.  Fine art, courtesy of our students, hangs on the walls. Our stage area is engineered by our students and contains sound, lighting, and props. The stage is where dance, drama, staging, audio, and lighting are taught. Semi-annually, our doors will open to the public, and this area will be transformed with beautiful linen-covered tables. The area, accentuated with artistic container designs, owes its appearance to our students. As the evening unfolds, guests receive carefully selected dinner entrees. The student-made entrees prepared and served by our trained culinary students, satisfy guests’ appetite as they watch the intensely rehearsed stage production developed for our semi-annual fundraiser.

The Finale For The Children

Our students have poured their hearts and souls into every facet of this evening. The highlight of their work is the climactic ending. Guests are applauding results of the immense amount of time and effort our students have invested in this one evening, their professionalism and their polished performance.  One by one, the kids realize that the applause they are hearing is for them.  Thunderous applause and shouts of, “You rock!”, “Outstanding performance!”, “Superb dinner!”, “Stunning paintings!”, “Gorgeous centerpieces!” echo in their ears.  What a night!

Our Hope, Our Dream, Our Vision

Hopefully, the children will know that the most significant praise and recognition are coming from Jesus himself.  As friend claimed, “He is sprinkling glitter all over them”. As we are teaching our students, we are striving to fill them with seeds of love. Through this period of design and creativity, we are seeking to cause the seeds to spring up. Growing in age and skill, the sprouting seeds are producing a soul that continuously flourishes and accomplishes all that He sets before them. Ultimately, this is our hope, our dream and our vision.