At the Riverside Art Museum (RAM), Creative Horizons uses the power of art to create meaningful opportunities for justice-involved and at-promise youth. Through hands-on creative experiences, mentorship, and community engagement, the program helps young people build confidence, develop new skills, express themselves, and explore possibilities for their future.
Through partnerships with the Riverside County Probation Department, Creative Horizons brings art experiences directly to young people in a variety of settings throughout Riverside County—including museum spaces, probation offices, and juvenile facilities.
Led by Caryn Marsella, Director of Art Education and Community Engagement, RAM’s Education team works alongside youth to explore foundational art techniques while creating opportunities for self-expression, collaboration, and personal growth.
Participants engage in a wide range of hands-on art experiences, including graphite and charcoal drawing, polymer clay, collage, experimental printmaking, and mural design. Working together, youth create large-scale murals that explore themes of identity, resilience, community, and possibility.
Since its inception, Creative Horizons has reached more than 600 participants.
Creative Horizons is designed to support more than artistic development. The curriculum encourages youth to:
Each week, RAM’s dedicated art educators bring imagination, encouragement, and a sense of belonging to participating facilities. Youth of all artistic skill levels are welcomed into an environment where experimentation is encouraged and there is no single “right” way to create.
Creative Horizons also provides opportunities for at-promise youth completing community service requirements. Once a week, students come to the Riverside Art Museum to participate in hands-on art workshops and contribute to collaborative mural projects while completing their community service hours.
Rather than simply completing required service hours, participants have the opportunity to make a visible and lasting contribution to their community. Through the process of creating art together, students develop practical skills, experience teamwork, and see how their time and creativity can have a positive impact on others.
These workshops have become much more than art classes. They provide spaces where trust can grow, creativity can flourish, and young people can experience accomplishment and pride in what they create.
Creative Horizons demonstrates that art can be a powerful tool for connection and transformation. A drawing can become a form of self-expression. A mural can become a shared story. A new artistic skill can become a source of confidence.
Through consistent, compassionate engagement, RAM’s educators help young people discover their creative voices and recognize their own potential.
Creative Horizons is about more than making art. It is about creating opportunities for young people to imagine new possibilities—and giving them the tools, support, and confidence to bring those possibilities to life.
YOUR donation in any amount will provide an opportunity for an at-promise teen to participate in a creative, pro-social activity:
$5,400 makes one 12-week off-site program possible
$3,600 makes one 8-week museum-based program possible
$2,100 makes one 4-week mural project possible
$1,000 makes one 1-day museum experience possible
Do you believe in the power of art to change lives, and that justice-involved youth need and deserve enrichment opportunities?
Then click the donate button to make your donation in any amount today. Thank you!
Do you believe in the power of art to change lives, and that justice-involved youth need and deserve enrichment opportunities?
Then click the donate button to make your donation in any amount today. Thank you!