Sweethearts & Heroes, Emotion Into Art partner for HOPE Through Art

CROWN POINT | "The World's No. 1 Youth Leadership Team" recently partnered with a spellbinding artist for a new, inspirational art show that brought HOPE (Hold On, Possibilities Exist) to thousands of students at five schools in New York's North Country. Texas-based artist Tom Varano and Sgt. Rick Yarosh of Sweethearts & Heroes delivered the HOPE Through Art show to students in Ticonderoga, Salem, St. Johnsville, St. Regis Falls, and Peru from Monday, June 1, through Friday, June 5. Students from Crown Point Central School saw the show in Ticonderoga, and Dolgeville students watched it in St. Johnsville. The endeavor was a pilot project between Varano, founder of Emotion Into Art, and Sweethearts & Heroes, which aims to prevent hopelessness, bullying and suicide by providing dynamic, inspiring content that centers on the human interaction skills necessary for schools and other organizations to change all aspects of their culture. The 90-minute show featured an electrifying hour-long live-art performance by Varano, who has created a nationally acclaimed experience that seamlessly blends speed painting, storytelling, and motivational messaging, leaving a lasting impression long after his final brushstroke. Yarosh, a Purple Heart recipient from Vestal, N.Y., who was burned severely while serving in Iraq, brought the show home with his powerful story about overcoming adversity. In just minutes, Varano brings iconic figures to life on a 4-foot-by-5-foot canvas, painting to powerful music with a repertoire of more than 70 famous faces from which he can choose. This dynamic, high-energy experience captivates audiences, leaving them not only entertained but deeply moved and inspired. At the North Country schools, Varano painted three portraits related to Sweethearts & Heroes messages during his hour-long presentation — and the final piece was of Yarosh. "I remember (Tom Varano) talking a lot about forgiveness, and that hit me really deep. Because I struggle with forgiveness, and I think a lot of other people do too," said Mylee Roscoe, Crown Point Central School student. Crown Point Central School student Lyrissa Hinds said Yarosh's address reminded her "that when life knocks you down, it doesn't mean that you're not going to get where you want to be. It means that you're taking a different route." Varano calls it a "true honor to partner with the incredible Sweethearts & Heroes team." He added, "This wasn't just a school assembly tour, it was a tour of HOPE. Together, we encouraged thousands of students to believe in themselves, overcome challenges, and recognize that their lives have purpose and value." For more than 16 years, Sweethearts & Heroes has presented what Murphy, of St. Albans, Vt., calls "'the 'stop, drop and roll' of bullying" to more than 2.5 million students in school districts from New England to Hawaii and north into Canada. Sweethearts & Heroes also tailors its presentations and professional development workshops for businesses, nonprofits and civic groups. Murphy said, "We go where we're needed. That's what heroes do." For more on Sweethearts & Heroes, find them here on social media.

Signup for our newsletter

Sweethearts & Heroes, Emotion Into Art partner for HOPE Through Art

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS