Celebrant Pam Vetter


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At-Risk Children Learn the Arts
Contributed by: Pam Vetter

9/29/06 Valley News Article

Theatre Of Hearts/Youth First Program reaches children who need it the most, throughout the Valley and Los Angeles.

Searching for a way to give back to the community, one woman had a vision, followed through to help children, and found her dream in the process.

Sheila Scott-Wilkinson worked for many years as an actress in theatre, television, and film in England. Her career grew and carried her to New York and Los Angeles. But she looked at the evolution of her career and what she was doing. The parts being offered were no longer as fulfilling. She realized she needed to help others and find something that would use her skills by filling her heart with meaning.

"Social change was my goal," Scott-Wilkinson said.

Throughout her acting career, she taught theatre. In the early 80's, Scott-Wilkinson connected with the Arts Reach program, which handled the daunting task of teaching in the prison system.

"As an artist, I went into prisons where no one else would go. One time, I went into a protective custody area at Soledad Prison in Northern California. It was kind of scary because the guards told us only priests would visit the area. We were the first outsiders to work in that area of the prison. We performed and it was wonderful," she said.

That stepping stone led her to the position as the Coordinating Director of Arts Reach, where she developed programs for 17 prisons. When Arts Reach discontinued its services, she started organizing her own venture, which became Theatre Of Hearts/Youth First.

"I wanted to reach the kids before they got to the prison system. The kids who were at-risk and needed hope, self-esteem, and a vision. These kids deserve a chance," she said.

The organization provides many programs by integrating the arts into the classroom and working with after-school programs, community sites, juvenile halls, and probation camps.

"Many times, these kids have a limited vision of the four or five blocks around their home. They can't see beyond their street. We help to expand their vision while allowing them to hear their own voice and feel proud of their work. They complete a project and you can see their winning smiles," Scott-Wilkinson said.

"We have an artist-in-residency program in place. We use mature working artists to teach our children. This is not volunteer," she explained. "We pay our artists because our children are special. They have abandonment issues. A volunteer may or may not show up. We have to protect our kids. If we have an artist say he'll be back on Tuesday, he'll be back on Tuesday. The kids develop trust."

Theatre Of Hearts/Youth First has worked with more than 68,000 youth ranging in ages from 4 to 18. Each program is custom designed to fit a specific need. These programs are available throughout Los Angeles county.

"Our workshops include storytelling, creative writing, music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. We're even looking for a way to add a photography workshop so kids could learn the artistry involved in taking pictures to represent their life. Right now, we don't have the cameras or the equipment to make that happen," she said.

In fact, the program survives on grants from the federal, state, county, and city government. Some of the select art agencies that help to fund the organization are the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, California Arts Council, California Community Foundation, and the National Endowment of the Arts.

Theatre Of Hearts/Youth First focuses on grant writing. But, grants don't cover all of their expenses. So, they've started a new COOL ART Lending Program.

Business Owners, such as Larry Kosmont, Managing Partner of Kosmont Companies, Renaissance Community Fund, Encino, have stepped up to the plate to participate. Kosmont chose the pieces of artwork to display in his business.

"There were so many pieces to choose from. This is a huge reservoir of artwork that needs exposure. Corporate offices around Los Angeles spend a lot of money on artwork, but this is an untapped source of spectacular pieces and there is a story behind each and every project. It's powerful coming into an office like ours and seeing life through a child's eyes," Kosmont explained.

"It is an extraordinary program that has created an opportunity for every corporate citizen to display artwork by children, who otherwise would be without an avenue of exploration," he said. "Theatre Of Hearts has made a committment to children so they can grow, experience the arts, and find a good place as an adult."

One of the favorites in the Kosmont office is a piece entitled, "Finger in Socket," which was created by an 8-year-old boy. "That piece makes me smile every time I see it. In fact, I've felt exactly like that after some of my meetings," Kosmont said with a laugh.

The COOL ART Lending Program is available for a suggested donation. The artwork consists of 10 to 20 pieces, created by children, and it's professionally installed in participating businesses. Usually, the artwork remains on display at a business for one year and it's a wonderful way to give back to the community.

"This is not kiddy art, but instead poignant renderings from the heart. Many of our youngsters have created art that has been displayed in the Skirball Art Center, the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles, the Consulate of the Czech Republic in Los Angeles, The Brewery in downtown Los Angeles, and other galleries throughout the county," Scott- Wilkinson said.

"There is power in seeing the results and looking at a child's artwork. This is fundraising that is doable," she said. "And, everybody wins!"

Scott-Wilkinson is being honored at the Women in Theatre's Red Carpet Awards luncheon on Oct. 14, at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn, North Hollywood.

For more information, contact www.theatreofhearts.org.

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