Artist Story: Cheryl Williams

For several years I have been involved in creating art opportunities in underserved communities using available public spaces. My goal in developing these art projects is to engage children and encourage parents to interact with their children. The projects can range from creating papier-mâché masks and tie-dyeing shirts to sand art and acrylic painting. The variety of projects exposes young people to different techniques and materials.

There is a great need to create opportunities where there aren’t any.  If you’re an artist willing to donate your time to develop such opportunities, you won’t have a problem finding an audience. There are a variety of public spaces that can be used for arts programming, such as libraries, schools, parks, community centers, open spaces, and some churches.  

I have used library spaces within different communities and also a school field house. I’ve made attempts to set up in police stations, but the police didn’t want to commit to the use of the space for the duration of the project. Luckily, these creative activities can be carried out in many different locations. All I require is a well-lit area and access to water in order to set up my projects.

In seeking permission to use a certain space, I contact the person in charge or events coordinator and lay out a specific plan. Once the location is secured, I create an informational flyer and post it onsite for the duration of the project. The children who come to the space are usually accompanied by an adult. These adults are encouraged to participate along with their children, and this has facilitated some wonderful interactions.

One of the greatest gifts on earth is giving children the advantage of experiencing the arts. I’ve witnessed the positive impact that the arts play in a child’s growth and mental development. When children are taught to explore creative thinking—and it’s incorporated into their class curriculums and everyday lives—they’re inspired to make positive contributions to their communities, and we all reap the benefits. This is why I consider this type of work—creating creative opportunities for children—my greatest artistic achievement.  

Cheryl Williams is a versatile visual artist, art instructor, and community activist in the Auburn Gresham Chicago neighborhood. She studied computer graphics and graphic design at Columbia College and has a background in the printing industry. More than 15 years ago, she began to experiment as a visual artist because of the opportunities it allowed for self-expression. As an art instructor, she teaches children to create original styles, use uninhibited methods, and experiment with images and materials.