Van Go Reflection

As a resident of Lawrence, and an art education student for the three years I’ve been here, I have to say I am embarrassed to say I did no know Van Go existed until this semester. Lynn Green is an amazing woman, and the work that she does for both the adults and children in her program is amazing. Unlike many programs, were the student signs up, takes a class, and leaves at the end of the duration of the class, Lynn has found a way to create a whole new atmosphere. In her adult classes, not only does she hire them to create artwork with them for two years, but she also hires the ones no one wants. She hires the ones that have dropped out of school, are homeless, etc. She takes these young adults who have a rough beginning to life, and gives …show more content…
The classes that they do with these children are absolutely mind blowing. These children are held to the highest expectation, and let me just say they rise to the occasion. Van Go gives these children who may not normally feel like they have a voice a place to feel like they are heard loud and clear. The opportunities that are provided for these kinds are amazing, and will forever change their lives. In order to be in Lynn’s position there are a few skills that would be necessary to be successful, the most important being passion. Van Go would not be where it is today if Lynn didn’t have passion, and lots of it. Her passion for the kids she works with and the works she does is so humbling. She has created a space, that started out of the trunk of her care, which is one of the most inviting, free, and warm places I have ever been. Additionally, to be in Lynn’s position one must have patience. The young adults that Lynn hires transform into wonderful people, however this does not happen over night. In order to see the impact on the people she works with, she must be extremely patient. That is something that I really commend her for. She has an extraordinary amount of patience. Yet, she runs a tight ship. She provides structure and organization to the lives of these young people, many of which have never had that. She has given them one of the most precious gifts one can give, and that is love and acceptance for who they