Mentoring At Risk Youth
Mosaic
Catalyst for Youth finds inspiration and direction in
the work of Mosaic, a Washington
based organization founded by mythologist Michael Meade. Mosaic seeks
to create cross-cultural alliances, mentoring relationships and social
connections built upon personal trust and a commitment to bridging unhealthy
divisions in today’s communities. Mosaic incorporates knowledge
learned in the trenches of contemporary community work by such pioneers
as Luis Rodriguez, and Malidoma Somé and draws inspiration from
the traditions of many cultures and helps young people navigate the rites
of passage into adulthood. In their approach, youth are not simply 'the
problem,' rather they are a reflection of serious issues troubling the
culture at large. Viewed this way, youth are seen as valuable agents of
change who play a necessary part in cultural healing and transformation.
The photograph in the upper right is
Curtis Manzano visitng with poet/ author, youth advocate Luis
Rodriguez who he met at a Mendocino retreat for younger and older
men presented by Mosaic. Michael Meade generously offered Curtis a scholarship
so he could attend the retreat. And during the week Luis offered his coffeehouse/gallery
Tiachucha in Sylvan, CA to Curtis so he could have a solo art exhibit.
His work was shown for two months at this lovely space.
An adjunct aspect of Catalyst focuses and supports those
in the community who have been inspired by a young person to be a mentor.
Catalyst provides opportunities for training in core
ideas of mentoring. According to Michael Meade the word ‘mentor’
refers to ‘lived knowledge’ and comes from the old myth in
which Mentor is a guide and teacher who works through inspired language
and knowledge of survival.
 Through mentor training, both inspiration and practical, those working
in our community can discover ways of clarifying what they have to offer
in the way of teaching, guiding and passing on living skills and essential
arts for surviving the challenges of contemporary life. This process can
be applied to enhance existing high school programs like Lincoln High
School’s ASAP, Gear Up and Future Vision programs and used
to discover new forms of mentoring that develop school and community based
projects.
The photograph to the upper right shows Michael
Meade and some of the men gathered for the 2002 annual Younger and Older
Men retreat in Mendocino. Michael is third from the right.
Two Fish Design
Two Fish Design in San Jose is an extraordinary art and design studio
run by Cherri Lakey and Brian Eder who work on many fronts to support
and bring art into a central position that serves the needs of the Bay
area and beyond. Their vision flows from an ever deepening connection
to and appreciation of contemporary culture. Cherri and Brian have welcomed
Catalyst for Youth mentored teenagers and young adults into their programs.
 Anno Domini – A.D. is Two Fish's philanthropic
endeavor. It's a labor of love created as a space where new, emerging
and often ignored artforms could flourish and be celebrated; Anno Domini
has come to be recognized nationally for consistent vision.
Phantom Galleries – Phantom Galleries are temporary
art exhibits occupying vacant storefronts. The project aims to provide
local artists with an opportunity to exhibit their work, while fostering
economic development by drawing attention to available retail space. Cherri
and Brian 's vision is to prove the importance of collaboration between
the city and local artists, creating a future of support between both.
(http://populuspresents.com/main/pg/)
The photograph to the upper right shows Cherri
Lakey and Curtis talking about art at a Phantom Gallery reception on Post
and First Street. The photograph to the lower right shows Brian Eder and
Curtis discussing installation ideas for a Phantom Gallery exhibit.
 Contact Two Fish Design:
150 South Montgomery Street Unit B
San Jose, CA 95110
t: 408.271.5151 f: 408.271.5152
e: studio@twofishdesign.com
|
