Layaya - Louisiana Young Artist & Young Authors

Layaya is about supporting the dreams of young people in our community to create something that they want to see exist in the world. It is about reminding young people that their emotions and ideas are equally worthy of respect and expression. It is giving our youth a vehicle to form lasting relationships based in support, encouragement, and respect. It is providing opportunities for youth to mentor their peers, run programs, and serve as authentic advisors in the administration of Layaya. These dedicated young people strive to help the community with service projects and they also learn the business end of the art world – making and keeping the funds generated by the artwork. Layaya members become examples of success, making their families and our community proud. They are an all too often overlooked resource in our community. Layaya is about highlighting the unique talents of these young people and assisting them to develop those talents as far as they wish. Layaya empowers the youth members to be the leaders, managers, decision makers and successful artists that they are. By simply giving them skills to organize, encouragement, permission for expression and peer support and dedication – they become excited about where they may go next in the adventure! Art gives us the media and the opportunity to shape and communicate feelings. The arts introduce us all to connectivity, engagement, and allows a sense of identification with, and responsibility for, others. Young people l