Writers’ Block and You Gotta Have Art are programs that give youth a space to express themselves through writing, drawing, painting, embroidery, or any other creative and artistic means.

Each week, youth share what projects they have been working on, whether it be a chapter in a novel, a script for a play, costume designs, or illustrations of characters they plan to bring to life.

During Writers’ Block, we offer writing prompts to get the creative writer’s mind thinking and discuss various methods that have stimulated better writing. Writing is one of the most fundamental skills we use daily, so we encourage young people to have fun creating words to fit scenes in our lives.

You Gotta Have Art is an amazing complement to Out Youth’s creative arts program, created by volunteer and alum Chris Baker. Out Youth has benefited from the incredible selection of donated art supplies and the creative talents that Chris lovingly shares with the youth. During the program, youth have made collages and have started a drawing book; they soon will be begin work on an embroidered quilt.

Writers’ Block and You Gotta Have Art meet 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. each Sunday. Please contact Out Youth at 512-419-1233 for more information.