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From:Jade Hurst
To:Public Comments
Subject:EXTERNAL - Item #11.1 Future Council Initiated Agenda Items Adopt a Resolution Proclaiming April 2024 as
Arts, Culture and Creativity Month
Date:Sunday, March 17, 2024 7:19:04 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
My name is Jade Castaneda and I would like to share a little about why art means so much to
me and why I believe our town should adopt April 2024 as Arts, Culture and Creativity
Month.
I grew up as a troubled youth. I had no community support or guidance and from a very early
age was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I grew up around art because of my mother
and sister, but I never had anyone tell me or show me that I could use art as a tool to help with
the struggles of everyday life. My parents worked so hard to give us a good life but I was still
battling with something inside me that kept me so sad and then turned to self harm, drug and
alcohol abuse at 12 years old. That followed me into high school and it wasn't until I went to
Mt. Madonna and met my Art Teacher Mr. Charvet.
Mr. Charvet was the first person to see me and understand the struggles I had. He gave me my
first art journal and opened his doors for me whenever I needed it. He gave me these tools that
helped me survive. I had no idea what I was doing but he handed me the paint brushes and
canvas and in return I stayed clean off of drugs because I no longer wanted to die.
When I say art saved my life I really do mean Art Saved My Life.
At 30 years old I finally found my safe space in this town and have made a connection with so
many creatives and it has been the biggest blessing in my life (besides my kids). They get to
see a happy and healthy mom and in return I get to give them those tools I wish I had at a
young age. It also means I get to share this love of art with the youth and my community. I get
to show them that Art Heals. I think of all the kids who are struggling just like I did, that just
need their own Mr Charvet. That's what I want for my community.
I am in support of adopting a resolution proclaiming the month of April as "Arts, Culture &
Creativity Month." And I am asking for your support. Thank you for taking the time to read
this.
Sincerely,
Jade Castaneda