History

History
There are three founding women of RAW--Mary, Kit and Beau. We have been collaborating for over 16 years. We discovered our shared passion while working together with the mentally ill at Danvers State Hospital as art therapists. In the years to follow, each of us has proudly put our fingerprints on RAW's vision, integrity and amazing growth.
RAW was launched in 1988 when the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services asked us to implement the first statewide art therapy program for incarcerated youth. The DYS Program served thousands of teens for 14 years until the state budget crisis forced the closure of the program throughout the state.
RAW Space was opened because of our effectiveness with the DYS program. We wanted to offer long-term intervention for kids on that scary edge of falling into a life of crime and emotional depravation.
Before opening the RAW studio in Lynn, we spent a year providing workshops throughout the community. This enabled us to gain a better understanding of the city and for Lynn to learn about RAW. In 1994, after our year of grassroots efforts, we opened our doors in downtown Lynn. We invited kids to help us build our creative refuge: RAW Space.
Initially serving only 16 teens, the number quickly grew and within the first few months over 70 children and teens were climbing into our painted "Van Go" van each week. Now, in our 10th year, we provide programming for close to 150 children and teens each week.
We have six clinically trained arts therapists. RAW provides free counseling services, using the arts as our tools, tools that are channels for emotional expression to help people deal with the acute and chronic stresses in their lives.
RAW has grown Our programming has grown to meet the diverse needs within our neighborhood. The people RAW works with are all ages and are Latino, Russian, Caucasian, Cambodian, and African American. Over 90% of our youth come from low-income families. RAW Space is open 5 days a week during the school year from 8 am - 9 pm, with some weekend hours. During July and August, RAW runs a special summer schedule, including many outdoor arts events.