For the last ten years, Nikki Giraffo, a longtime art educator in Lowell currently teaching at Lowell High School, has provided local students a “refuge” to develop their artistic abilities in a safe space, with a hands-on team of mentors.
In 2014, Giraffo opened the Refuge Art School in the Western Avenue Studios and Lofts in downtown Lowell to expand access to arts education to low-income students. The school provides community-based arts opportunities that not only foster their personal growth as artists, but helps address the varied emotional and educational needs of its students.
“Refuge was established while I was working as a full-time art teacher across Lowell Public Schools’ four alternative schools,” said Giraffo. “These schools include K-12, therapeutic, and behavioral settings, where I worked with two schools per day, three schools per semester, and four schools per year. This experience revealed a pressing need for a supportive space for young artists.”
But Refuge’s mentorship doesn’t stop at the artistic endeavors of its students. They take a holistic approach to mentorship, incorporating intensive coaching and pre-college support along with real-world arts education (including curriculum planning, grant research, marketing, public art execution, and community engagement). Through practice-based learning, students build problem-solving abilities, self-empowerment, and confidence. This approach helps students view mistakes as part of the learning process, promoting resilience and confidence, rather than something only worthy of penalization.
“This not only fosters artistic development but also builds leadership and practical skills, creating a nurturing and supportive internal community, which is especially beneficial for students aging out of the system,” said Giraffo.
One of Refuge’s most recent projects, Urban Healing, highlights the long-term connections the school builds with its students. Located at Lowell’s Stoklosa Middle School, the mural was created by former Stoklosa students, now aged 17-21, who first met in Giraffo’s art classroom at Stoklosa.
Paying homage to Mother Nature, the piece underscores the importance of nature as a healing tool for the city and addresses various struggles and illnesses we face. Focusing on nature’s role in healing and symbolizing hope and regeneration, the large-scale installation reflects the broader mission of Refuge and demonstrates how former students have maintained their connection with Refuge and contribute meaningfully to the community.
Over 90 percent of Refuge’s students rely on financial aid, underscoring the importance of financial support and advocacy for programs that provide access to art education for underserved youth.
“AFTMA members can support Refuge by spreading the word about its mission, advocating for more community-based art programs, and exploring collaboration opportunities within local school districts. Engagement with initiatives like Refuge can help provide crucial opportunities for underserved youth and foster a more inclusive educational environment,” said Giraffo.