To be held March 9 at Mint Museum Uptown
The Young Affiliates of the Mint (“YAMs”) are excited to announce their second annual event entitled, Envision & Empower, hosted at Mint Uptown’s Level 5 Grand Room on March 9, 2016 from 6-9 p.m. Envision & Empower provides an opportunity for the Charlotte community to come together and celebrate the transformative power of arts education on children in our community.
For Envision & Empower, the YAMs partnered with Behailu Academy, an arts-based youth development program that empowers youth to find and use their voices through the arts, academics, and community service. Located in the North Davidson area, Behailu Academy offers a variety of classes including performing arts, music, and visual arts. This coming spring, seven seniors will graduate from Behailu Academy; forever transformed by the incredible opportunity Behailu has given them to learn about themselves in a supportive environment, through the creation of art and music.
In preparation for this event, photographer and YAM board member Margaret Strickland had the unique pleasure of meeting and photographing the seven exiting seniors for Envision & Empower. Margaret quickly picked up on a symbiotic relationship between the students of Behailu Academy and the arts. Margaret captured the essence of this artistic engagement in photographs that will be on display at the event. In reflection of her meeting the seniors of Behailu, Margaret stated, “I was profoundly impacted by the stories of the students at Behailu. I met a musician, a marine, an illustrator, photographers, and designers. It is obvious that the drive, confidence and talent of these students are due in large part to the friendships and experiences made possible by Behailu Academy. These seniors have used their time at Behailu to support each other, define themselves, and dream big about their futures.”
Behailu Academy students that participated in this collaboration will be in attendance and will share their powerful stories with attendees. Additionally, keynote speaker Senator Jeff Jackson will join the YAMs for this evening event. Guests will enjoy jazz musician, Buff Dillard, and a cash bar will be available with wine, beer and liquor for purchase. The art galleries will also be open for all guests to enjoy.
The YAMS cordially invite you to join us and help us raise awareness about the impact of art on youth in our community and to raise a glass to the big futures of Charlotte’s students impacted by the arts. Tickets are $25 for YAM members and $35 for non-members.
To purchase tickets for Envision & Empower, please visit: https://2016envisionempower.splashthat.com/
For questions regarding Envision & Empower, please email: Whitney.feld@gmail.com
ABOUT THE YOUNG AFFILIATES OF THE MINT
The Young Affiliates of the Mint Museum is the longest running young professional group and the premier social arts organization for young professionals in Charlotte, North Carolina. For 26 years, the YAMs have supported the Mint Museum through a variety of social, cultural, leadership and fundraising activities and events. The YAMs have made substantial donations of tangible and intangible goods to the Mint Museum since 1990.