As a child, Bianca D’Arcangelo found a haven at Maritime Apartments in Bath. The arrival of the ArtVan in her neighborhood brought a sense of tranquility that was often hard to find amidst the chaos of a home with four siblings. D’Arcangelo, now 27 and an accomplished artist, attributes her understanding of using art to calm down to the influence of ArtVan.

Unlock the Healing Power of Art with ArtVan

How ArtVan Started

Jamie Silvestri, the founder and director of ArtVan, used to work as an art therapist in clinical settings like St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston. However, she had a vision to bring art therapy to kids before they required more serious intervention. In 2004, she launched a mobile program that brought a van filled with art supplies directly to neighborhoods. Twenty years on, ArtVan has become a renowned nonprofit, serving 15 neighborhoods in four counties. The program's costs are covered by grants, donations, and partner organizations, ensuring it remains free for the participating kids.ArtVan is truly dedicated to providing the resources and tools for young people to navigate through life's challenges and emerge whole, healthy, and healed. Silvestri emphasizes, "We're striving to offer a space where kids can express themselves and find solace through art."

The ArtVan Experience

When the ArtVan arrives, its horn honks, signaling the start of an exciting creative journey for the kids. They can drop in and work on the project of the week, which could range from a mobile to a sculpture or a drawing. Using materials like pipe cleaners, cardstock paper, yarn, and hole punches, the kids let their imaginations run wild. Silvestri prompts them to think about spaces that make them feel cozy or encourages them to release their anger through art.This is significantly different from a traditional arts education setting where the focus is on shading and following specific artistic techniques. At ArtVan, the emphasis is on exploration and freedom with the materials, ensuring that the kids' needs are met on a deeper level.

The Lasting Impact

D’Arcangelo moved to Woolwich at 12 but her family still feels the influence of ArtVan. Her younger brother, Keegan Companion, is renowned in Bath for his pipe cleaner sculptures. As an adult, D’Arcangelo returned to Maritime Apartments and brings her 6-year-old to see Silvestri when the ArtVan visits. She proudly shows him the colorful mural she created during her time in the program. Silvestri had asked the kids, "Paint something you would like to see." Now, D’Arcangelo can tell Odin, "I helped paint that."This shows how ArtVan not only provides a creative outlet for the kids in the present but also leaves a lasting mark on their lives, inspiring them to express themselves through art and find joy in the creative process.