Celestial Expressions is the visual and performing arts component of Celestial Enterprises Unlimited, Inc. Its mission is to help “spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ” and bring health awareness, hope and healing to the emotionally and spiritually wounded populations through art initiatives.

The visual arts include: fine arts; graphic art; fabric art; quilting classes, exhibitions and projects. Original inspirational literary works and publications are published through Celestial Publications.

The performing arts include: the “spoken” word through poetry, prose and rap; dance including liturgical, mime and hip hop; vocal recordings and live performances; plays; skits and talent shows.

Special emphasis is placed on helping to encourage, empower and energize youth who have talent in the areas of writing, media, music, dance and art to use their skills in constructive and productive ways. Therapeutic performing arts programs are also available for those youth who are talented but have  emotional and/or behavioral problems that interfer with their functioning appropriately in social interactions and relationships.

Celestial Expressions is currently partnering with Zoom Productions Inc. to bless youth and young adults in the Atlanta, GA area with opportunities to express their God-given talents in the areas of music, dance, singing, song writing, media and literary publications. We provide platforms for these young artists to be heard and to spotlight their talents through talent shows, live performances, CD recordings, publications and appearances on the Zoom In television program.

It is our aim to empower young people and teach them to respect and cherish the gifts that God has endowed them with and not to allow pride to trick them into believing that "it is all about them."  We feel a God-given responsiblity to help train up these youth and young adults that we work with in the ways of the Lord and to always remember that "all they are and all the talent they have has come from God."

THERAPEUTIC PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAM

"Learning the Art of Self-Expression"

Youth will learn techniques and basic performing arts skills in the areas of art, acting, dancing, media, singing and writing. Mentors will help youth identify and develop their special gifts and talents. Youth will develop self-awareness and respect for authority figures and peers in an atmosphere of acceptance and encouragement.

God has blessed each person with unique creative abilities that go unrecognized or undeveloped. The Celelestial Epressions Therapeutic Arts Program will help youth and young adults improve peer and family relationships, develop better communication skills, conflict resolution strategies and participate in recreational activities to be the best they can be through performing in plays, skits, dancing, singing and writing scripts.

Our philosophy is that learning can be exciting, creative and fun as youth and young adults develop self-awareness, identify, develop and showcase their talents through the performing arts.

Call Mariah L. Childs, MSW, LCSW, Director to find out how this creative program can be implemented in your afterschool, summer or therapeutic program.

Our goal is to bring out the best in youth and young adults.

HIV/AIDS QUILT of HOPE

 This Quilt was created by Mariah Landrum Childs as a "message board" for those touched by HIV/AIDS. Many names are embroidered on it--both victims and survivors. The grief of loosing a loved one is embedded in each loving stitch, as well as the hope for those who are still alive, yet living with the disease, that a cure will be found. Some of their pictures appear on the quilt as well.

This Quilt is an attempt to offer hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, and a means of remembering to all who remain. Words are powerful tools, and many have been stitched and affixed on the Quilt to be the "voice" of a "voiceless" group in our society.

The "healing stitches." "words," "symbols," "names, and "messages" sewn on to each block and strip of the Quilt are intended to increase the awareness and sensitivity of the general public towards the unfair treatment and abuses suffered by victims and survivors of HIV/AIDS due to biased attitudes and values of the general American, European and African populations.

Mariah Landrum Childs. CEO of Celestial Enterprises Unlimited, Inc., the designer of the Quilt of Hope, and creator of "Voices in the Wilderness" HIV/AIDS Quilt of Hope Ehibit and Their Stories Theatrical Production.

Coreen Dent singing "Nobody But You, Jesus" at the "Voices in the Wilderness" production at the Living Word Church in GA.

Vocalist who sang "In the Wilderness" in "Voices in the Wilderness" production at Living Word Church in GA.

Angel Harris the "voice" for the "My Sister" story in the "Voices in the Wilderness" Production. Beverly Roseberry the "voice" for "In the Wilderness" and "Crying in the Wilderness" poems for the "Voices in the Wilderness" production. Rebecca Childs dancing to "In the Wilderness."