What are some artistic volunteer organizations?

Question

I'm 15 years old and i love to draw and paint. I'm not bad at it either. Do you know of any volunteer organizations that paint murals and stuff on walls? or of any aristic organizations at all?

Answer 1

You don't say where you are. I'm assuming in the USA.

These web sites list volunteering opportunities all over the USA:

VolunteerMatch, http://www.volunteermatch.org

Idealist, http://www.idealist.org

Change.org, http://www.change.org

CraigsList, http://www.craigslist.com

Network for Good, http://www.networkforgood.org

http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/

ServeNet, http://servenet.org/

Also, contact your local volunteer center; you can find this via the Points of Light Foundation web site, http://www.pointsoflight.org/centers/

Nonprofit organizations that want murals and such on their walls usually prefer to make it a collaborative project that their clients can participate in. And organizations that involve people for drawing and painting are usually looking for people to help their clients with drawing and painting. So "artistic" opportunities are probably going to be focused on volunteers helping children, the elderly and other specific groups with "artistic" activities.

Answer 2

Most of the groups I'm aware of that use artists as volunteers are community based groups; so you'll need to search around your own community. Ask the art teachers at your school, they may already be involved in some volunteer projects. Is there an art club at your school, or drama club, or photography club, or any service clubs-all these groups have done murals and sidewalk art in my city. Are there any art classes or groups at your local recreation department, or private art teachers? If so, ask them. Art Museums often sponsor community art projects; call your local art museum. You could also try chatting with local art gallery owners; they know local artists who may be able to tell you about projects.

The American Art Therapy Association has a list of links that might give you some ideas about how you can volunteer. They also have information about becoming an Art Therapist that you might be interested in.

American Art Therapy Association, Inc.

Art Therapy Resources & Links

http://www.arttherapy.org/atres.html

Good Luck!

Answer 3

I am 30 years older than you and have been wondering too.  I would love to open a studio for children's hospitals, cancer patients and anyone who has been struggling.  When we go through horrible times so many creative abilities come out.  As a young person of 15 you have a wonderful gift you would love to share.  I so admire you for your generosity.   I hope someone on here with a knowledgeable art background can give you some great advice and I would like to know too.  I did find this website for giving of your beautiful knowledge:  http://www.artcorp.org/index.html

Peace.

Amanda