Ten years ago, CFM member Cathy Barney approached our Meeting to ask for guidance and support of a ministry that has changed her life, the lives of her family, and the children who have been and continue to be enriched through her Artsy Fartsy ministry.

A book and a film have been produced that chronicles the stories of the young people. The book and film will be debuted in a not to be missed celebration on July 16 along the Little Miami River. The Milford American Legion Post has donated their facility to host the celebration.

The event will also include a homecoming reunion for students who have been a part of Artsy Fartsy for the past ten years. The City of Milford will present a proclamation making July 16 Artsy Fartsy Saturday. The film will be shown at dusk on an outdoor screen. Cathy would welcome everyone from CFM to join in this special time for cake, the book presentation and the film, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Be watching your emails for more updates.

Please contact Cathy at cathybarney@hotmail.com or 513-638-2738 if you would like to volunteer for the celebration, make a donation toward the book and homecoming, or to purchase a book.

Following is a summary of the book from Cathy.
The book, A Place Called Artsy Fartsy Saturdays: Building Creative Community in Your Neighborhood, will debut on July 16, along with a reunion recognizing ten years of the Artsty Fartsy youth ministry that is under the care of Cincinnati Friends Meeting (with support that includes funding and volunteers.) The Meeting generously approved helping fund the printing of books for the children, as well as a meal for their families.

The book has been a seven-year effort of writing, collecting stories, sifting through photos and designing about 200 pages with 200 images. It is a testament to the students’ value and place in this creative community. The ministry aimed to reflect back that of God that is within each participant. The book includes a toolkit of tips, lesson plans, registration forms, parent letters, and sample surveys to help others launch an Artsy Fartsy in their neighborhood or community.

Here is a blurb about the book:
Follow the journey of a mom, shaken by chronic pain, yet inspired by 40 first-graders with scissors to listen to the Spirit, to dream, organize, fundraise, attract volunteers and an array of talented, intelligent, curious neighborhood kids. This motley crew bands together for a variety of art adventures that build a beloved creative community. That mom and these children living on the edge of society nurture and encourage one another to explore, stretch, make mistakes, and accept themselves as they are. Let them inspire and equip you to roll up your sleeves and start you own Artsy Fartsy Saturdays.

Following is from the Foreword, written by Jim Newby:
“I highly recommend this beautiful book to all who are in need of hope during this time when there is so much despair (which is all of us!) Here is the story of how a dream became a reality. It is not, however, just a story that came true. It is about a life-transforming art project that has opened young minds and spirits to a new world of possibilities. It is, indeed, a ministry of love that is changing the world, one young person at a time.”

Note: Cathy’s daughters Autumn and Lily grew up as part of their mother’s Artsy Fartsy ministry. Lily, a graduate of Ohio University who is now working in post-video production at Apple TV, has edited a collection of videos into the feature film that will debut in Milford on July 16.

Along with CFM support, The Ohio Arts Council, ArtsWave and the Clermont County Board of Mental Health and Recovery have contributed to this project over the years.

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