Rose returns to Wilkinsburg to help youth through art

Rose is currently involved in the Next Neighborhood Leaders Program which focuses on the Wilkinsburg community, and participates in the Wilkinsburg CDC business planning workshops. She has also started her very own Healing Arts Program, which is a program that focuses on young Black girls and teaches them how to cope with life and heal through the artistry of art.
She is looking to implement Healing Arts in the Wilkinsburg School District.
“Wow, I’m no where near where I thought I would be after college. I’ve learned that life doesn’t always go as planned. I went into college expecting to get a degree in journalism since I was an intern at the Courier. Photography and healing arts was not a part of the plan, more like my purpose,” Rose said.
A Spotlight Youth article was published on Rose in the New Pittsburgh Courier in 2005, while Rose also contributed to writing “Spotlight Youth” articles. The focus of the feature on Rose was about how she turned her life around after many trials and tribulations.
“My Spotlight story was a tribute to the rose that grew from the concrete. I referred to myself as that for many years because of how I was able to have success against all odds. That is the theme of my life and why my artist name is Phoenix Rose,” she said.
Since graduating from Wilkinsburg, Rose has remained active within her community.
“I care about the Wilkinsburg community a lot, the school district, children, etc. need healing and I’m hoping to bring that with my program in the form of a non-profit organization with a home base in the Wilkinsburg community,” she said.
Rose’s art work will be presented in the For Colored Girls Series that will be held at the University of Pittsburgh’s Museum Studies exhibition. The exhibit will call attention to the absence of Black voices, culture, and experiences in art institutions, with a primary focus on the Pittsburgh art scene. The art exhibit will take place Nov. 9-Dec.11.
Who knew from the concrete, a flower would grow? Rose continues to impact and support our youth, while also serving as a leader in our community.
 
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