The Superhero Project (SHP) utilizes art as a tool for healing and empowers youth impacted by serious illnesses, disabilities, community trauma, and complex mental health or medical needs. Our work is guided by their four core values - imagination, inclusion, representation, and joy - and families share how participation increases self-confidence and fosters resilience in kids, among other positive impacts for individuals and the community.

Our joyful and meaningful touring exhibit of Power Posters, displayed in nearly two dozen venues so far, features superheroes created by BIPOC youth and designed by a global group of artists. It challenges stereotypes and changes perceptions of medically-marginalized kids and teens. In the exhibit’s framing essay, artist Amanda D. King explains how the collection brings representational justice to the community by visually transforming youth of color with illnesses and disabilities into the superheroes they are inside, elevating them from one of society’s most marginalized groups to celebrated protectors of the universe. Creative workshops and interactive elements extend the experience, allowing visitors to consider how they want to improve the world and to conceptualize their own superheroes.

Teacher Carrie Polenske (Pine Intermediate School), who has hosted The Superhero Project for three years, writes, “The best part of our experience is when students create their very own superhero alter ego posters, accompanying written descriptions, and adventure stories. Every child comes to realize that we ALL have the power to make the world a better place!” Carrie also states that in her 26 years of teaching, she has never seen such a powerful social emotional learning experience that empowers students, creates feelings of connection with disabled youth, inspires them to celebrate their own inner strengths, and helps them gain a deeper appreciation for art.