Recording artist Brian Owens will be joined by St. Louis-area students to perform a musical score in response to the Blue Black exhibition. Working with five young artists from the Compositions for LIFE group at LIFE Arts, Inc., Owens, along with other songwriters and educators, have adapted the students’ writings and responses to the exhibition into musical arrangements. The program uses therapeutic methods to focus on the student’s mental and emotional well-being. The students’ original works will be presented in a live performance as the closing event for Blue Black. Additionally, LIFE Arts has partnered with Maryville University music therapy students to incorporate a songwriting element with four students from Logos School.

Dedicated to developing leaders through the arts, Owens founded LIFE Arts, Inc. to engage with the young people in his hometown of Ferguson, MO. With a focus on leadership, innovation, faith, and excellence, the program has expanded to include participants from different public schools across the St. Louis-metropolitan area.