Every year The Ophelia Project, a program of Healthy Family Foundation, engages teen girls in an art project designed to increase academic achievement. The Indian Wells Arts Festival has partnered with the organization once again, inviting them to unveil and exhibit their 2013 art project at the April 5 – 7, 2013 Festival.

“REMEMBER THE PAST . . . IT’S KEY TO THE FUTURE” is a collaborative collage of assembled photographs depicting family ancestry. This will demonstrate to each girl individually, the importance of her place in family and in the world, providing self-esteem while paying respect to parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.

The art work was created by Ophelia Girls under the direction of Gideon Cohn of I.M.A.G.E.S gallery. The Ophelia Project is a group mentoring program for girls 8th through 12th grade offered in 4 Indio schools.

“IMAGINE THE WORLD” created by 200 girls of THE OPHELIA PROJECT was unveiled at the April 2011 Indian Wells Arts Festival. “ I was honored to help them create a piece around the theme of respecting and preserving our planet’s resources,” says project director and gallery owner Gideon Cohn.

The project titled “Me in 2020,” depicts 150 girls’ hopes and dreams for the future, was also on display at the Festival.

1,073 girls have directly benefited from The Ophelia Project of Coachella Valley for over 14 years. Program curriculum focuses on building self-esteem, relational aggression, cyber bullying, teen obesity prevention, college and careers, teaching the girls to think about their future, to be more aware of opportunities and to dare to dream. Adding the art component to Ophelia curriculum has been very successful as evidenced by improved grades, finishing high school and graduating with a desire to go on to college, assisted by Ophelia Scholarships.

The Ophelia Project will be joining the 10th Annual Indian Wells Arts Festival Celebration scheduled for Apri 6 – 8, 2012 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.