Empowering economically insecure people through arts education and training, LA-based nonprofit Piece by Piece has been creating change since 2007.
The connection between mental health and creative expression has long been documented in study after study about the impact arts programs can have on those who are struggling mentally and emotionally. The nonprofit Piece by Piece, founded by Sophie Alpert 15 years ago, takes this work a step further to focus primarily on people who are experiencing homelessness or financial insecurity.
As singer and TV-host Kelly Clarkson said when interviewing Alpert for her show, “art feeds your soul.”
Through their workshops and partnerships, they are able to teach a useful skill, in this case mosaic-making with recycled objects, to someone who can then use that skill to support themselves financially. Beyond the practical application of lifting themselves and their families out of poverty, the acquisition of such a valuable skill can have an enormous positive impact on a person’s confidence and well-being, which in turn has ripple effects on their lives and on their community.
Piece by Piece works primarily in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles, and they recently moved into a new space! We are thrilled to watch them start a new phase of helping people!
Their artists’ works are available to purchase at Immersive Frida Kahlo as well as on their website.
