Free to all clients, Backstreet Community Arts is an open art studio focusing on the benets art has on mental health.
“Backstreet is an inclusive makerspace,” says Founder/Director Kim Ramey. The nonprot’s mission statement is: “We exist to provide a safe, welcoming, creative environment for anyone who can benet from the healing power of art and community.” That includes everyone. Its vision statement: “Everyone should have free unlimited access to the healing power of art.”
Again, that means everyone, regardless of income or social status. Nestled on the edge of downtown Newnan, on First Avenue behind Bridging the Gap, Backstreet offers formal classes and an open art studio. All supplies and instruction are provided at no cost to participants. The large variety of arts offered at Backstreet includes painting, writing, sewing, ber arts, leather working, metalworking, ukulele and much more. Many of the volunteer instructors at Backstreet are professional artists who donate their time to sharing their love for creating art with others.
Last year alone, Backstreet had more than 3,200 visits from people seeking respite and recovery through art.
“Making art has helped me sort through my emotions in the darkest times of my life,” says Ramey. “I cannot imagine life without it, and I believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience creating art in many forms, whether they can afford it or not or know how to begin.
Throughout my life, artists have encouraged me in my art making, and I hope I can do the same for others. For me, art is a vital part of living.”
19-B First Avenue, Newnan | 770-683-0929 | backstreetart.org
