In an effort to promote self-esteem in at-risk children, The Artist Outreach has a solution: send in the clowns. The nonprofit arranged a clown workshop to share their big-top brand of art and laughter with the children of Buckner International’s Wynnewood Family Hope Center in South Dallas yesterday.

“Our mission is to build people’s self-esteem by cultivating creativity,” said Joseph Vincelli, executive director for The Artist Outreach. “As someone goes through the process of creating, they gain the building blocks to create even more new ideas. Their confidence grows and their self-esteem improves.”

Kids in the afterschool program at the Family Hope Center spent the afternoon playing games, balancing spinning plates and watching the antics of Russ Sharek, a local performer.

“You can’t help but notice the joy on the children’s faces when groups like The Artist Outreach introduce them to new ideas, while stimulating their dreams for a brighter future,” said Cheryl Williams, director of the Wynnewood Family Hope Center. “My hope is that through programs like this, our children will be encouraged to reach beyond their current situations and be motivated to explore their creative gifts.”