Youth Media

Still from Pastor Jenkins
Interview by Sterling Vaught

Still from "The Truth About STD's in our Community"
by Savonnah Hill

Still from "It's About Me"
by Elmer Go mez

excel! Youth Media Program was established in 2004 and has been very successful in opening up opportunities for abused, neglected, and dependent children to work creatively and freely with video cameras and computer imaging programs. The youth work with visiting artists, mentors in the community, students, and alumni from Youngstown State University. The leaders of the workshops teach creative and critical thinking skills while developing a strong sense of community. The youth involved in the workshops learn how to operate camcorders, digital cameras and computer programs to conceptualize and create their own projects.

During the Summer Festival of the Arts 2004, 2005 and 2006 the Museum hosted a youth media film festival featuring short video pieces by local youth who have been participating in the Youth Media Program at the McDonough Museum. Bryn Zellers, a graduate of the Department of Art at YSU, has been mentoring the youth in video production and concept development.

The William Swanston Foundation sponsored the REA+CH Residency Program, promoting art and community collaborations and the Youth Media Program 2003 - 2007.