Beyond Perceptions

Beyond Perceptions has provided an opportunity for my students to focus their thoughts and artistic attention on a group who are often invisible in our society- the homeless. Through reflection, discussion, and art making they have examined their own feelings and perceptions and become aware of the power of the arts to ’make special.’

Larry Hurt, Chair of the Art Department at Ben Davis High School

Participating in the Beyond Perceptions Project has been a mind-opening experience for our students. I have been fortunate enough to observe their perceptions of homelessness in our community change. Not only have they benefited from first-hand exposure to issues such as homelessness, but they have also gained an understanding of how art can function as a catalyst for social awareness and change.

Trevor Renwick, Art Teacher at Herron High School

Beyond Perceptions is not just about bringing awareness to homelessness but, it is about showing the next generation that everyone is a human being and that we can make a difference. We can make a difference if we see a person’s face and not just the stereotype we want to see.

Ron Presley, Former participant of Beyond Perceptions from Lighthouse Mission

The Indianapolis Art Center’s Outreach Department and the Lighthouse Mission started Beyond Perceptions in 2004 to engage high school aged students in a multiple phase project that takes an extensive look at homelessness through shared real-life experiences. First hand stories brought to life by men in the mission, aimed to expose and shed light on how homelessness has no one socio-economic, racial, or religious status. Using art as a tool of expression, students from three different high schools were asked to create artwork based on their perceptions of homelessness before and after meeting the men from the mission. Before and after artwork created by the students were exhibited throughout the city.

The phases of this project have grown a bit over the last couple years but the goals remain the same:

  • Provide youth with a unique educational opportunity that encourages them to examine, reflect and discuss openly individual and societal perceptions of homelessness while using art as a tool for expressing these perceptions.
  • Increase awareness of homelessness in Indianapolis and the services of shelters in the city like the Lighthouse Mission.
  • Encourage youth to explore their community and their role in it.

If you are interested in learning how your school may be involved in Beyond Perceptions please contact the ArtReach Manager, Michelle Winkelman at 317.255.2464, ext. 232 or e-mail MWinkelman@IndplsArtCenter.org .

Beyond Perceptions Accolade

Excellence in Education Award by Mayor Bart Peterson (March 2006)