The Frye has partnered with Path with Art, a local non-profit that provides art programming to previously homeless and economically disadvantaged adults, to facilitate a twelve-week workshop in the Frye’s art studio. The program encourages adults to use the creative process as a tool for self-discovery and self-expression, for developing self-confidence, and for building community.

The following student profile, courtesy of Regan Doody, Path with Art instructor, is an example of how this program has made a positive impact in one man’s life.

Jamie Y. has been a visitor to the Frye Museum for years. “I usually come to the Frye about once a month,” he said, explaining that he was drawn by the “good stuff” in the collection and the museum’s free admission. This winter he has returned to the Frye not only as a visitor, but also as an artist and student participant in a twelve week Path with Art workshop held in the museum’s studio space. Jamie and his fellow classmates use the Frye’s collection as inspiration for a variety of art projects. Jamie has enjoyed the opportunity work within the museum and particularly enjoys the light and spaciousness of the studio classroom. “I like this class because I like having the space to work in,” he states.

After living on the streets of Seattle for many years, Jamie moved to Plymouth Housing where he first discovered Path with Art. Participating in both painting and writing classes, Jamie rediscovered an interest in art that he had ignored since his high school days. Now he says that, “I’m always working on some sort of project. I like the feeling of making art. I am much more interested in the process than the product.” Constantly creating, Jamie keeps notebooks of his artwork and ideas. The Frye Museum’s generously donated space has provided the opportunity for Jamie to work with these ideas in a professional artistic environment, further cultivating his creativity and helping him work towards his goal “to surprise myself with something I hadn’t thought of before.”

For more information, visit the Path with Art website.