Christell's Corner - As an Artist

by Christell Lewis

Mar 18, 2025

As an artist…….

As an artist, I must admit, I was ignorant to the extent of the demise of my spirit

As it weakened dancing in the dark to a bleak rhythm of resistance

Unable to move to the beat accepting the current state of our existence

I’ve been singing a solo melody longing for connection through joyful harmonies 

Hearing the unpleasant pitch of the disparity of uncertainty

I’ve been standing on a stage of gloom, consumed by fear and stress

With anxiousness and restlessness as my audience

I’ve been writing words that begin to fade in a confused state with wavering faith

I wrote these words in 2020 during the pandemic to uplift Young Audiences of Northern CA’s artist community. I painted a vivid picture of the plight many artists, including myself, were facing during that time. I hoped the poetic words would restore their will to endure and continue to provide responsive arts programming to the youth in our communities, even in the midst of an uncertain climate. As a non profit arts education organization, we were compelled to lead our artists community by providing support and resources through an arts lens centered in healing. The As an Artist piece was shared during a teaching artist gathering where artists acknowledged and reflected on the collective trauma that impacted the world. They collaborated creating group poems using their own lived experiences to inspire action that would carry into  their virtual classrooms.

As an Artist is still timely today, as we move through uncharted waters, navigating waves and high tides from the storms of the ebb and flow of socio-political and financial shifts. I would like to encourage our communities not to be consumed by the uncertainty of  darkness. We may not be able to see everything clearly, but as a nonprofit leader in arts education, Young Audiences is committed to continue providing meaningful arts experiences to engage K-12 youth. We are dedicated to this essential message and will continue to reach our youth, where they live, learn, and play. The arts can be a source of healing and wellness for our youth and communities. The impact of the arts brings forth a resilient light. 

Similar to how the spiritual Go Down Moses inspired Harriet Tubman to lead enslaved Africans to freedom, the song's lyrics carried a deeper significance, providing guidance for their safe escape from slavery. Likewise, the Gumboot dance, which originated in South Africa in the late 19th century, became a rhythmic form of communication for miners working in the mines. Over time, it evolved into a symbol of resistance and unity against apartheid. Similarly, the theater stage became a safe space for me to create. I was able to portray characters in an imagined world that provided me with reprieve and release from my grief after losing my father during my teenage years. I’ve experienced and witnessed the powerful impact of the arts as a young person, teaching artist, arts administrator and leader.

Now more than ever, youth are looking to the adults in their lives to model how to wade through troubled waters. Young Audiences of Northern CA is rooted in the positive impact we’re making on youth, nurturing the next generation of leaders and artists. Let’s celebrate the arts for  bringing delight, excitement, and creativity through our arts programs. 

Let’s celebrate Michael, a 3rd grader in the Vallejo school district. Michael is excited to come to school because he is learning breakdancing with Mr. Dennis. He is able to connect with Mr. Dennis because they share the same cultural background. Michael sees himself in Mr. Dennis. Michael feels a sense of belonging because Mr. Dennis has created a fun classroom environment through dance.

Let’s celebrate the 250 students at MT Diablo school district’s Cambridge Elementary where 80% of the students are Latino, singing, clapping, and laughing at the bilingual assembly, El Abuelo/The Tree & The Donkey Who Loved to Sing, with artists Cascada De Flores. The principal was in awe of how engaged the K-2 students were during the 45-minute assembly, and the joy that lit up the multi-purpose room as they celebrated their cultural heritage.

Let’s celebrate Angel, who found a new confidence in writing and sharing her work with others during our summer STEAM program with artist Mr. Aaron. Angel and her 4th-grade class wrote and proudly performed an original chant and drumming cadence about energy.

Through the celebration remember…..

As an artist, I stand on the promise 

The arts live through our youth

In music resounding in their instruments 

With childhood play and happiness

 A testament

Of their innate strength and resilience 

Not burdened with harsh chords 

Of painful notes from the pages of our history 

The arts live through our youth

As they become the river of hope 

with overflowing possibilities of a better tomorrow 

The arts live through our youth

Who are the heartbeat of the drum to help our community overcome 

With a rhythm and melody of their magic and wonderment

As they sing over the darkness 

As they write encouraging lyrics 

Our youth will heal our current social climate

 

 (Excerpt from As an Artist, By Christell Lewis)