5 for Good: Art therapy makerspace helps Lawrence students

An open studio makerspace serves all students who opt-in at the Phoenix Charter Academy school in Lawrence. The idea for the space was conceived after the 2018 gas explosions. Leonel Rondon, the young man killed in the disaster, attended Phoenix.It was built in collaboration with the community arts organization La House.Fernanda Lopez, a licensed mental health provider from La House, said the intention was to serve students impacted by the tragedy and honor the memory of Rondon.”He was a very entrepreneurial person,” Lopez said. “(So) we brought the art therapy and the makerspace together.”Phoenix serves students who have struggled in larger city schools.Lopez said many have been pushed toward therapy. At Phoenix, the makerspace is always available but never required.”You cannot be forced to be in therapy,” Lopez said. “You need to want it in order to take responsibility for…