Encouraging the arts

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Mario Samaniego of Merrillville, Ind., teaches students a blues based riff during guitar class at the Your Dream Counts School of the Arts at Laurel Church in Merrillville. | Jeffrey D. Nicholls~Sun-Times Media

Updated: February 22, 2012 4:36PM

For some, the mix of religion with a school of the arts might seem an odd partnership but for Laurel Church, the combination seemed to be yet another tool in their ministry of care and compassion for their immediate community and beyond.

Laurel Church opened the Your Dream Counts School of the Arts at its Merrillville campus in January. A few weeks into the program, enrollment is now topping 100. A true ministry dedicated to youth, according to Victoria Raferty, director of ministries and wife of Pastor Larry Raferty, beginner classes are free for children and young people, ages 4 to 19.

“Our mission is to provide school-aged children throughout the community an opportunity to pursue their artistic interests,” Victoria said. “We need to put into their young heads visions of what could be, rather than a life filled with drugs and violence.”

The YDC School of the Arts holds nonprofit status and is funded totally through outside donations and grants. Current course offerings include: dance, drama, photography, music and sound technology. Plans are being made to add art to the lineup in the fall.

According to Victoria, the non-denominational, multicultural church of 21 years holds a mission to “minister to whoever is in front of us. We’re a church without walls.”

The church views its new school of arts as a tool of evangelization; a way to introduce parents to the church in a non-intimidating manner.

“We are losing the arts in our schools but also slowly losing the ability to communicate with each other in today’s society,” Victoria explained. “Parents bring their children and we have the chance to let them get to know us. We love on them in a gentle way.”

Faith and creativity go hand in hand, Victoria said. “All gifts and talents are God-given and kids are a natural. They’re at an age where there’s nothing they won’t try or explore.

“By encouraging their creative talents, our program provides a positive outlet for their curiosity,” she continued.

Art also teaches a discipline that carries over well into the child’s education and the development of life skills.

Historically speaking, noted pastor Raferty, it’s important to remember that churches have been strong supporters of the arts through the centuries.

He believes introduction to the arts naturally supports Laurel’s message of faith. “Music, song, dance and even modern technology, such as video, are being fully used in worship today,” he said. “Art was never intended to be separated from faith but rather used to bring greater glory to God.”

The couple expressed their wish that the program would pull the church into tighter relationship with the community they seek to serve with a mission to put happiness and joy back into peoples’ lives.