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NORRISTOWN — Expressive Path’s annual Spring Fling scheduled for April 25, its yearly Art in the Park and the group’s multiple visual arts and music offerings for 12 through 19-year-olds — among them, its recent, well-attended karaoke night — might well belie the organization’s modest beginnings.
When longtime social worker Pamela Martin started the Norristown-based program, her motivation was simple: “I worked in child welfare and, then, senior welfare for 20 years,” (and) I’ve always felt that teenagers, especially those not involved in sports, often get the short end of the stick when it comes to opportunities.”
Martin’s emphasis was “mobile programming.” She worked from a home office and oversaw a teaching “staff” of two. Along the way, she borrowed space at Norristown’s Centre Theater and used Montco SAAC for storage, a setup that allowed “limited” in-house programs.
Eleven years later, Expressive Path Creative Arts Center is headquartered at 857 Cherry Street, and its diverse roster of theater, dance, music, the visual arts and the humanities — both mobile, virtual and on-site — is headed by 22 teachers and a staff that includes Education Director Cory Hoover, Creative Activities Coordinator Audrey Freedman, Tech Specialist Derek Slopek and (planned at press time) Operations Manager Anthony Bui. Most notable, the hundreds of kids who’ve participated in Expressive Path’s varied “workshops, exhibitions, public art and performance opportunities.”
Those opportunities play out in group or one-on-one sessions in a variety of local schools and non-profit centers and include virtual workshops conducted across this area’s five counties as well as collaborations “with local non-profits and community centers.”
“During the summer, Expressive Path runs a free creative arts camp, and on Friday nights, teens participate in our Expressive Path Community Creators social group, which helps them stay productive, safe and creative …(a) program made possible by Montgomery County,” Martin added.
Upcoming?
“We are honored to receive support from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for our two-year Peace Project,” the Expressive Path founder said. “This initiative will feature student-created installations that promote peace through an interactive scavenger hunt. Installation sites will include Recycle Read Repeat bookstore, Norristown Rotary Club Garden and Montgomery County Community College.”
Plans for expanding after-school options are in the works, with “support from the Neag Foundation making after-school STEAM programming possible.”
Already in place, “a large maker space where we are constructing a stage and rotating gallery for students and local artists.”
“Our technology hub includes 3D printing, strategic gaming and laser engraving,” Martin continued. “Additionally, we are developing horticultural programming to help students learn about native plants and nature. Expressive Path projects are STEAM-based, emphasizing skill-building, collaboration, inclusivity and creativity (and) opportunities for students to work and intern for us, as well as further education support, such as scholarships.
“Since inception, we have welcomed 16 interns. Collaboration is important to us, and over the years, our partnerships and friendships have grown. We love being a part of the Norristown family and deeply believe that collaboration leads to stronger organizations and neighborhoods.”
Establishing a bricks-and-mortar hub was essential to that mission.
“Expressive Path wanted to ensure greater accessibility for underserved students, enabling them to walk or bike to us,” Martin explained. “Moving to Cherry Street made that vision a reality. Our focus on the creative arts, combined with STEAM education and character building, sets us apart from other non-profits in the Norristown community and arts organizations in general.”
Bottom line, she believes Expressive Path Creative Arts Center “is a launch pad for student creativity that reverberates throughout the community…(and) has grown from a vision to a vital force for positive change in the Norristown community and beyond.”
“Since its founding, the organization has dedicated itself to empowering youth through the arts, providing an outlet for creativity, self-expression and personal growth …(and) evolved into a cornerstone of artistic opportunity, particularly for under-served and vulnerable populations, including teens facing socioeconomic challenges, mental health struggles and crises.
“Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging, promote inclusivity, give our students something to look forward to and build an intergenerational creative arts and cultural center that can be enjoyed by all.”
Additional information: 610-331-3516 and www.expressivepath.org.
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