LOS ANGELES — With art education the first to go in budget cuts, the Watts Labor and Community Action Committee and the Heart of Los Angeles organizations have come together to fill in the gap.

Every Monday through Wednesday after school, students ages 6-19 are welcome to take free art classes that range from ceramics, printmaking, fine arts and mixed media. Art education has been linked to higher academic success, but also serves as a form of therapy. Students learn to process emotions and express feelings through their creations.

The program, Watts Art Effect: HOLA, is also part of a larger effort to nurture community members who have the resources to be emotionally healthy and also self-sufficient. That is why the art forms offered are very intentional and can be turned into small businesses down the road. 

Those interested can sign up for the program here.