Now Until January 23

LANSING – Casa de Rosado Galeria and Cultural Center of Lansing is hosting a Refugee Youth Art Exhibit from now until Jan. 23. The show features 50 works of art created by current and former participants of the Samaritas Refugee Youth program. Art enthusiasts, refugee advocates, and Michigan Chicanx, Latinx, Afro Caribbean and Indigena supporters will enjoy a free one-on-one virtual tour of this exhibit. Visit the Casa de Rosado Facebook page to schedule a time. 

This interactive experience with Casa de Rosado will educate participants about the artist’s inspiration for these pieces and raise awareness of the journey many unaccompanied children and unaccompanied refugee minors experienced while trying to relocate to Michigan.

“Painting holds a powerful tool of both expression and exploration of meaning of life and identity. The Samaritas Youth Refugee Art exhibit explores two journeys as they proudly embrace two cultures- the miraculous and perilous journey as unaccompanied youth – a homeland torn by violence, finding temporary refuge at Samaritas and envisioning new lives in our community. We are blessed to be able to share this moving journey with you,” said Theresa Rosado, owner of Casa de Rosado Galeria and Cultural Center. “The pandemic has created new challenges and new opportunities. Though our Galeria is temporarily closed due to the pandemic, virtual walk-throughs are a new way to remain engaged with our community. I’m excited to guide you on this journey!”

Samaritas showcases the talent of its budding artists with an annual art show in June. Elements of the 2021 online art show titled, “Written Dreams in Paper/Suenos Escritos en Papel” presented by DTE Energy and Delta Dental of Michigan will be featured in the new Casa de Rosado exhibit. Visit Samaritas.org/youthartshow to see the whole 2021 collection.

The Samaritas Refugee Youth program is one of the few organizations in the country that partners with a national organization to provide foster care, family reunification and refugee support services for unaccompanied minors. Minors in the program are referred to Samaritas through Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS), a national resettlement agency. 

“Samaritas not only provides shelter but prepares young refugees for the next stage of their journey – work and the new life they will lead as they transition to adulthood,” said Rosado. “We take great pride in welcoming refugee youth not only through art but by learning how our community can respond. In the process you will discover how Samaritas takes on this noble calling.”

The Samaritas Refugee Youth team welcomes unaccompanied minors from countries like Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras who are still suffering from the fallout of multiple hurricanes, gang violence and the devastating effect of COVID-19. These challenges have left many of those families without food and critical resources. Collaborations with groups like Casa de Rosado raise awareness and support for these young people. Visit samaritas.org/donate to help or purchase a keepsake from the Samaritas Youth Art Shop at Samaritas.co/YouthArtShop that will benefit the people Samaritas cares for.

About Casa de Rosado
Casa de Rosado Galeria and Cultural Center empowers Michigan’s Chicanx, Latinx, Afro Caribbean and Indigena culture through the arts by hosting exhibits, workshops, bilingual story times, community events such as our annual Día de Los Muertos celebration and forums exploring social justice initiatives within our community. 

Casa de Rosado is located at 204 E Mt Hope Ave, Lansing, MI 48910. Visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/casaderosado/ for more event information. Contact Casa de Rosado by messaging through their Facebook page or email at contact @casaderosado.org

About Samaritas
Since 1934, Samaritas has served others as an expression of the love of Christ with programs to help Michigan’s troubled families and disadvantaged individuals thrive. Samaritas is the state’s largest foster care agency with a full suite of family preservation programs and options like Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services to keep families together. Samaritas also manages five senior living facilities with a variety of geriatric care options. Additionally, Samaritas has resettlement services for refugees, housing solutions for adults with developmental disabilities, homeless families and Affordable Living communities for those who qualify for HUD housing. Visit samaritas.org for more information. Follow us on Facebook @IAmSamaritas, Twitter @IAmSamaritas or on Instagram @WeAreSamaritas.

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Editor’s note: Images to support the story are available below.