A new USCRI art class is building community connections and nurturing creativity. The eight student artists range in age from 13 to 70 years old and come from all over the globe, including Syria, Turkey, Congo, and Burundi.

Emma Caterinicchio volunteered to lead the class. Emma is a local musician and works as a grants manager. She is passionate about bringing the arts into communities that focuses on accessibility, creativity and fun. She volunteered to teach the art class and has enjoyed seeing everyone’s individuality shine and be celebrated.

Class members are exploring a variety of techniques, such as tracing and collaging. Participants received art supplies donated by USCRI volunteers. The virtual class uses art to bring clients together to promote self-care, connection, and creative self-expression.

The class kicked off January 5th and will proceed for eight weeks every Tuesday at 6pm. USCRI NC hopes to expand the class to younger children and their families during the summer. This class is a series of classes run by the Preferred Communities Program to educate and connect refugees and immigrants virtually during the pandemic. Please contact Thuy Dancik at volunteer@uscrinc.org to volunteer to interpret or translate during our educational classes.