Mentor North is celebrating National Mentor Month through art

DULUTH, Minn. — January is National Mentor Month.

Duluth’s Mentor North is celebrating the month by hosting an Art Show at the Duluth Folk School. The organization is showcasing artwork created by youth, families, and mentors, highlighting the role creativity plays in building strong relationships throughout the Twin Ports. The event also offered hands-on art-making activities, which included making flip books and print-making to take home.

“We get extremely tailored support, joy, and relationship building through that one-on-one piece. Youth are our future. So in our community, here in the Twin Ports, it’s so critical that we are uplifting our youth and letting them see all that they can become,” said Samantha Smingler, Development and Communications Coordinator, Mentor North.

Mentors play a powerful role by supporting youth and equipping them with the tools they need to make positive choices, attend and stay engaged in school, and reduce or avoid negative behaviors.

“It’s really cool to have a mentor. And also, you can get to experience new things every week with your mentor. I just like having my mentor,” said Gabby Dawson, who had her art featured in the show.

The artwork will remain on display at the Folk School from January 1 through January 31.