Arts organizations focus of UCSC’s Fall Day of Service on Nov. 22

This year, the University Community Service Center’s Fall Day of Service will have an artful intent.

On Saturday, Nov. 22, more than 70 members of the University community will fan out across the city to volunteer for not-for-profit organizations with an art-related mission or youth development mission, using art as a tool.

Some participants will, for instance, spend their day helping children make Christmas ornaments for an upcoming event, while others will help children cast fossils in the dinosaur area of the Children’s Museum invention lab.

Dubbed “Arts and Action,” Pamela Bozeman-Evans, Associate Dean of Students in the University and Director of the UCSC, said the project’s focus on the arts is a natural for the University’s citywide service day.

It is not just arts organizations that use art, Bozeman said, “artistic activities are used by so many organizations in the city for a wide variety of issues-social justice, domestic abuse and youth development,” she said. “Art crosses cultural barriers and bridges gaps.”

“Many of the University students who participate have an interest in both the arts and social justice, and this is a great opportunity to explore the intersections,” added Bozeman.

While students in the College make up the majority of participants, graduate and professional students and 10 Chicago Public School students in the Collegiate Scholars program also participate. Currently, 15 people are on a waiting list, Bozeman said.

Departing the University in the morning, participants will partner with the following museums and organizations: the Children’s Museum, the DuSable Museum, the Hyde Park Art Center, Live Bait Theatre, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Video Machete and Youth Campus Pathways Development.

Following their day of service, participants will return to the the Reynolds Club for a 2 p.m. reflection period, led by a representative from Little Black Pearl Workshop, a Chicago organization that sponsors youth and art projects, and promotes young artists.

For more information about future service opportunities call 773-753-GIVE or visit http://communityservice.uchicago.edu/.