Exploring Careers Through Art, Empowerment & the Legacy of Thelma Johnson Streat

Dream. Create. Aspire.

Program Length: 60 minutes

Audience: Schools, Museums, Community Centers, Wellness Programs, and Art Therapy Groups

Cost per classroom: $425 (includes all materials)

Travel Fee: An additional fee applies for locations beyond a 30-mile radius.

Program Can Serve: 25 participants

Program Overview

Inspired by the legacy of Thelma Johnson Streat, this immersive program invites participants to explore how art can serve as both a mirror of cultural identity and a window into future possibility. Streat, a pioneering African American artist and performer, used creativity as a means of empowerment — blending heritage, storytelling, and imagination.

In this session, participants reflect on her life and work while considering their own aspirations. Through collage, paint, and mixed-media expression, they create personal artworks that celebrate identity, envision career pathways, and honor cultural narratives.

Blending artistic practice, cultural history, and empowerment, this program positions participants as both storytellers and dreamers, crafting visual declarations of who they are and who they might become.

Program Objectives

Participants will:

• Learn About Thelma Johnson Streat – Discover her background, artistic style, and how she broke barriers in the art world.

• Develop Self-Awareness & Confidence – Reflect on their unique interests, strengths, and career aspirations through guided discussion and creative expression.

• Explore Community & Career Connections – Identify diverse professions and understand the impact of all jobs in shaping society.

• Create an Empowering Career Portrait – Illustrate a career they aspire to, incorporating meaningful details that reflect their personal vision for the future.

• Write & Reflect – Craft a short paragraph describing their composition, career choice, and the impact they hope to make.

• Embrace Growth & Goal-Setting – Recognize that dreams evolve and that small steps today can shape their future success.

SEL & Empowerment Focus

• Affirmation & Self-Belief

  • Participants will explore their skills, passions, and future aspirations through interactive discussion, reinforcing that they are capable, creative, and important contributors to society.

• Breaking Barriers & Representation

  • By learning about Thelma Johnson Streat’s trailblazing journey, students will see the power of representation, resilience, and using art as a tool for change.

• Encouraging Leadership & Purpose

  • Participants will reflect on the impact they want to make in the world, connecting their career aspirations to personal and community growth.

• Letter to Future Me (Bonus Activity!)

  • Each participant will write a short letter to their future self, capturing their dreams and affirming their ability to achieve anything they set their mind to.

Logistics & Materials

All materials are included:

• 📚 Books on Thelma Johnson Streat

• 📝 Drawing paper, pencils, and markers

• 🎨 Reflection worksheets for goal-setting

• 🖼️ Visual examples of career-inspired art

(The venue should provide table space for participants to work on their compositions.)

Booking & Contact Information

To schedule a session or inquire about further details, please contact:
📩 Meredith Arcari Luciano

Bonus Resources Available!

• 📥 Downloadable Career Exploration Worksheet – Extend learning with an additional resource that encourages participants to continue reflecting on their dreams and career paths.

• 🎓 Certificate of Participation – Celebrate participants’ creativity and future aspirations with a printed or digital certificate at the end of the program.