They say creativity takes courage.

Throughout the pandemic, art has been a form of healing for many, even among the youngest artists.

"The arts is thinking outside the box. It's creating something that no one else has created before," says Kelly Vanover, Foundry Center for the Art Executive Director. "Truly connecting with the kids on their level, so that they feel this is truly a safe space."

The Foundry Center for the Arts is transforming countless lives across Newburgh and Evansville with their "After School Arts Program" and "Homeschool Virtual Program."

"We reduced the cost of all of our programming," says Vanover. "We felt we wanted to serve the community in a way that all kids could be a part of the arts."

Geared primarily towards elementary school students, the non-profit aims at bringing out the creativity in each child.

"We have painting and drawing classes, comic and cartoon drawing classes, hip hop dance, just so many other electives that we love to offer kids," says Vanover.

Throughout the last year, they've implemented changes to keep everyone safe, but the pandemic is taking another toll.

"Through the pandemic and the season that we're in, we have definitely seen changes in children," says Vanover. "They are a lot more anxious. They are a lot more sensitive."

But it's through the Foundry Center for the Arts, creative expression grows, and personal connection continues on, even when times are tough.

"Honestly, we want to inspire kids," says Vanover. "We want them to believe in themselves. To believe they can create and do things maybe they never thought were possible."