Creative Art Nexus Reaches Out to the Community

Creative Art Nexus encourages community participation in public art projects.

Its creation resulted from many youth groups and professional artists who joined together to complete a mural in Alexandria in October 2010.

“There was so much community interest and several youth groups participated. By the end, I realized that we had a group,” said Leisa Collins, CAN founder and director.

The group's motto is "artists can bring change."

“Art should bring about change. It is a catalyst for social action and creativity,” Collins said.

Collins is a full-time artist and native New Zealander specializing in painting images of historic homes and street scenes. She arrived in Alexandria in April 2010 after touring the United States and loved the neighborhood's style and sense of community so much that she decided to move to the area.

Creative Art Nexus is active with youth ages five to 15 years old. Collins collaboratively coordinates creative arts sessions with 3HFoundation CEO Anntranette Harris to work with a group of up to three students on various projects.

Recently, a group of students painted a mural board with drawings hoping to inspire people to think about their environment, recycling and sustainability.

Lois Addo, 9, has been participating in CAN activities for four months.

“It exercises your mind. You can work with others and if no one is around it’s something you can by yourself,” she said.

Addo enjoys drawing and painting. She also likes being able to design projects independently. Addo said she could imagine herself helping other kids learn to draw and paint one day. “It’s like doing homework, the more you practice, the better you get,” she said.

Community members, adults and youths actively participate in events. In May, 58 children participated in a Creative Art Nexus event to paint a mural to celebrate one of the city's volunteer celebrations, Spring For Alexandria. City Mayor Bill Euille joined them. 

Collins works with a number of artists in the community, who in turn mentor some of the students in her program.

Eileen O’Brien is a professional artist and a commissioner for the Alexandria Commission for the Arts who mentors kids through Creative Art Nexus. 

O’Brien mentioned that at a recent session with some children she pointed out that in art there's no wrong way to work and that each method is unique. O’Brien lauded Collins' drive and the passion she channels as she unites various artists for projects. “In the short time Leisa’s been here, she has done much with Creative Art Nexus,” she said.

In collaboration with the Del Ray neighborhood's Art on The Avenue, Creative Art Nexus’ latest project is Growing Panes, Windows to a Better World.

The project addresses five sensitive issues that kids can relate to, such as substance abuse, bullying and moments in history. Each subject will have four windows using mixed media to illustrate a topic.

A team of local artists and youths will work on the permanent installations, which will take place in October 2011.

For more information on Creative Art Nexus or to contact Leisa Collins visit her website.