July 27, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Hands On

By Sam Skopp

 

Beginning in 2010, Students Rebuild has been hosting yearly artistic challenges where participating students contribute works of art in service which are matched by donations from the Bezos Family Foundation to a charitable cause. This past year, Students Rebuild held an Youth Uplift Challenge, during which participants created and decorated paper hands, with donations going to Save the Children in support of job training and education for children in Nicaragua and Indonesia. In total, 115,000 students from 28 countries created more than 250,000 hands.

On Saturday, July 29, Students Rebuild held a community event capping off the Youth Uplift Challenge at the Pico Youth and Family Center on Pico Boulevard, inviting local kids to participate in a number of artistic and educational workshops.

“We wanted to come to the Pico Youth Center because the center does great work year round,” said Students Rebuild Manager Leonetta Elaiho. “Today young people who are visiting the event can add their hand to the collection on the panels outside,” she said, referring to a series of panels spelling out “Youth Uplift Teach Empathy” in large lettering outside of the building.

Additionally, street artist Teachr led a stenciling workshop, allowing participating children to add their stencils to the panels.

The event also included an introductory improv workshop led by Nickelodeon star Devon Werkheiser and Upright Citizens Brigade comic Jill Donnelly; a panel of women sharing career advice on the creative industry in LA; and a music industry panel, inspired by the recording studio open to kids at the Pico Youth Center year-round.

“This year we wanted to try something that was really community-based and collaborative,” said Elaiho. “Our mission is to inspire young people to connect, learn and take action around critical global issues.”

For more information on Students Rebuild, visit studentsrebuild.org.

Supplies from the stencil workshop.
Photos: Sam Skopp.
One of two students who contributed to the mural outside the Youth Center.
Improv workshop leaders Devon Werkheiser and Jill Donnelly.
One of two students who contributed to the mural outside the Youth Center.
Work representing the Youth Uplift challenge.
Tags: , , , , in News
Related Posts

LAPD to Conduct DUI Checkpoints Across City This Weekend

July 26, 2025

July 26, 2025

LAPD officials said checkpoint locations are chosen based on areas with high numbers of DUI-related crashes and arrests The Los...

Metro D Line Resumes Today After 70-Day Closure

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The shutdown, which began May 17, enabled Metro to connect the current line to newly built tunnels extending west under...

TODAY: Venice Artbeat Celebrates Community and Supports Local Causes

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The event offers live music, dance performances, live art, food, and storytelling Venice Artbeat, a community-focused festival, takes place on...

Sunset Jazz & Pizza Series Returns to The Lobster

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The series blends jazz from a three-piece house band with handcrafted pizzas and $5 Open Brewing beers  The Lobster’s popular...

Los Angeles Marks Milestone in Youth Sports Enrollment

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

A program has surpassed one million enrollments, providing low-cost and, in some cases, free access to youth and adaptive sports ...

LAHSA Appoints New Interim CEO Amid System Transitions

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The agency is navigating uncertainty following the county’s decision to create a separate homelessness department and shifting federal policy priorities...

Venice Chamber Installs New Board at Community Event

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Representatives from multiple levels of government were in attendance The Venice Chamber of Commerce welcomed its newly elected 2025–26 Board...

Measles Case Confirmed in LA, Officials Urge Vaccination

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Investigators are working to identify potential exposures and assess the risk to others Health officials have confirmed a case of...

In Your Time of Need, Woodlawn Cemetery is Available

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

By Susan Payne  For over 125 years, Woodlawn Cemetery, Mausoleum & Mortuary, wholly owned and operated by the city of...

Going for the throat

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Coach Bill Schuman expects protégé Golda Zahra to hold back nothing  By Linda Chase World famous competitors hire special coaches...

Suspect Arrested in Fatal Brentwood Whole Foods Stabbing, Area to See Increased Police Presence

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The suspect, initially described as a man in his early 20s wearing dark clothing, fled the scene on foot.  A...

(Video) Seniors Age with Dignity at Wise & Healthy Aging’s Adult Day Center

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

For More Information, Go To Wiseandhealthyaging.org/ Seniors Age with Dignity at Wise & Healthy Aging’s Adult Day Center. For More...

California Reports 13% Drop in Vehicle Thefts in 2024, First Decline Since 2019

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Southern California accounted for 53.21% of thefts, with Los Angeles County alone representing 61.83% of the region’s total California reported...

LAPD Pacific Boosters’ West LA Summer Carnival Takes Place This Weekend

July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

The carnival will feature amusement rides for all ages, arcade-style games, and traditional fair food The LAPD Pacific Area Boosters...

Venice Ale House is Now the European-Inspired ‘Venice Beach Club’

July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

The menu features items like steak frites, crudo, and house-made pizzas, under the direction of Executive Chef James Samuel A...