Joel Sisson Inspires Youth Empowerment Through Art and Community Engagement at Elpis Enterprises

Joel Sisson ‘91, a performance artist and founder of the Green Chair Project, emphasized the transformative power of community engagement in empowering young people. Sisson's dedication to supporting youth extends beyond artistic endeavors. His initiative with Elpis's woodworking department, revitalizing the Green Chair Project, demonstrates his commitment to providing tangible opportunities for youth development and empowerment.

Reflecting on his journey, Sisson shared, "I learned about how to make public art a part of the community from Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) professor Kingi Akagawa."

Elpis Enterprises, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting homeless youth, aligns closely with Sisson’s vision by offering paid internships in screen printing, woodworking, and bag manufacturing. Through hands-on learning experiences and mentorship, Elpis helps youth gain confidence and build a path toward stability and independence.

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• How can the community help youth succeed?
  (monitorsaintpaul.com—July 10, 2024)