The art of ending bullying
An event outside a local school tries a different approach to improving the behavior of children and adults alike
On the pavement outside the Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center, Jameson Trumbauer, 5, scrawled a chalky masterpiece.
His parents, Fel and Evan Trumbauer of Exeter Township, gave his handiwork — a shining sun — their stamp of approval.
“It’s good to get outside and let them (the kids) be creative,” Fel Trumbauer said.
Trumbauer was one of hundreds of kids who got to leave their mark in chalk Saturday afternoon outside the center as part of the third annual Berks Street Art Festival.
The event in Muhlenberg Township was sponsored by the Camel Project, a nonprofit that aims to change the culture the promotes bullying.
Smiling as he sketched, Trumabuer, 5, was entirely preoccupied with having fun.
He had no idea his scribbled sunshine happened to represent the same warmth that event organizers aimed to spread via the festival’s theme of kindness and creativity.
The venue gave eventgoers ample opportunity to express those themes.
Attendees were encouraged to chalk a picture or two on the pavements and on a specially prepared truck, which was covered in drawings by midday.
Several artists showcased their creations at stalls. Among them was Candace Guthier of Reading, who makes prints and small sculptures out of clay.
Guthier had a personal connection to the theme of the event: She said she started creating
art as a way of processing her experiences of domestic violence.
She said she uses art to build something positive out of her experiences
and feelings.
Nowadays, she said she’s mostly inspired by her kids, Briseis, 11, and Jovincio, 9.