Paintings displayed at First Parish gallery, Weston

Artists for Humanity display paintings at First Parish gallery

Fighting over Nothing.jpg
"Fighting Over Nothing" by Jeff Marseille

WESTON - Teenagers from Boston’s "Artists for Humanity" (AFH) will be showing their paintings at the First Parish Church Art Gallery in Weston from March 6 to April 24.

The paintings, which range in subject matter from self-portraits to gardens to shoes, represent the diverse interests and styles of these young urban artists.

Artists for Humanity’s mission is to bridge economic, racial and social divisions by providing underserved youth with the keys to self-sufficiency through paid employment in the arts.

Teens come to AFH after school to create a wide range of products and services – including paintings, photography, screen printing, graphic design and furniture made from recycled materials – that are marketed throughout the greater Boston area.

AFH operates as a micro-enterprise where the student artists work closely with mentors and are paid an hourly wage for their work. The organization celebrates the talents and wonderful energy of young people by giving them hands-on experiences in creativity, business, teamwork and self-governance. Participants learn the techniques and tools of professional artists and the business world while engaging in education, employment, artistic exploration and entrepreneurial experience. This produces life transforming change for youth and for their communities.

AFH is located in Fort Point Channel in one of Boston’s first "green" buildings, known as the EpiCenter.

The show of paintings is co-sponsored by the First Parish Church Outreach and Art Gallery committees.

On Sunday, March 8 at 11:30 a.m., several of the artists and a mentor from the program will be speaking in the church parlor. All are invited to attend.

For more information on Artists for Humanity visit "www.afhboston.com"

The First Parish Church Art Gallery is located at 349 Boston Post Road in Weston. For directions call 781-893-7798 or visit "www.firstparishweston.org"