photo by: Courtesy of Paige Robinson
Young artists, community members and representatives with the Van Go non-profit stand behind one of the benches commissioned as part of the JAMS “Benchmark” youth program in July.
As part of its annual “Benchmark” campaign, the arts-based social service nonprofit Van Go unveiled 20 new benches created by local Lawrence teenagers.
Paige Robinson, the Community Engagement Director at Van Go, said the unveiling of the benches last month marks the culmination of Van Go’s summer JAMS employment program for youths ages 14 to 18.
JAMS is a program that helps teens who have identified barriers to employment and educational attainment and teaches them important life skills, especially in building employment skills. Robinson said students go through an interview process to get into the program, and if they are accepted they are paid an hourly wage.
Since many of the teenagers might be having their first introduction to the job process, Robinson said this is a good way to introduce those employable skills.
“It’s a great opportunity for them to teach them some of these skills so they can develop and hone them for future employment opportunities,” Robinson said.
The young employees at the nonprofit have created about 400 benches, which were created for clients “all-around the world,” Robinson said. This year, many of the 20 benches were designed for local clients, including the Lawrence Police Department, Doulas of Douglas County and the Lawrence Arts Center. Although there are art coordinators that help guide the process, each bench becomes “the bench” of the young employee creating it, Robinson said.
The benches are now being sent to the clients, and they should be unveiled in their new locations this month. Robinson said since many of this year’s clients are nearby, it gives the creators of the benches a way to see the impact of their efforts.
“It’s another way for our youth to connect with folks in the community and see their hard work come to fruition in these benches that decorate the town,” Robinson said.
photo by: Courtesy of Paige Robinson
A young artist working with Van Go unveils her bench created for a community organization. The arts nonprofit held its unveiling event on July 26, 2024.
photo by: Courtesy of Paige Robinson
Artist Kamilla Ochoa’s bench “The Windmill of Old Lawrence” was commissioned by Ken Wertzberger. The bench was unveiled on July 26, 2024, as part of Van Go’s annual program.
photo by: Courtesy of Paige Robinson
Artist Simn Robinson’s bench “Colorful Thoughts”, commissioned by Van Go, was unveiled at an event on July 26, 2024.
photo by: Courtesy of Paige Robinson
An array of some of the benches created by 14-18 year-old artists as part of Van Go’s summer JAMS employment program, which were unveiled on July 26, 2024.
photo by: Courtesy of Paige Robinson
An array of some of the benches created by 14-18 year-old artists as part of Van Go’s summer JAMS employment program, which were unveiled on July 26, 2024.
