Debbie Mancuso has devoted the last 20 years of her life to guiding the futures of young people.

"Youth are our passion," she said. "(I will do) whatever I can do to inspire them and help them know where they’re headed in the future."

She’ll be getting help guiding youngsters from local artists in the coming weeks.

Mancuso is the owner of Shady Pines Farm, which supports the nonprofit Y.O.U.T.H. Program Inc.: Youth program for Our community to Understand animals by Training and caring for them to Help bring our community closer.

This holiday season, the farm is hosting numerous art events to benefit the programs it offers, which are supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts through its regional arts funding partnership.

The idea for Y.O.U.T.H. started after she bought the farm, Mancuso said. She wanted to share the animals on the farm with local youth. The site became a nonprofit in 2003 and has been off and running since.

"We use the animals to stir creativity and help them learn where they want to go with their career," Mancuso said.

Hosting the artists not only provides entertainment, but also hopefully offers a chance for them to mentor young people, Mancuso said.

"Our sole purpose is that connection," she said.

"Holidays with the Artists" runs Thursdays through Sundays until Dec. 23. Hand knitted and crocheted sweaters, scarves and hats, hand dyed yarns, and gifts such as Santas, snowmen and angels will be displayed and on sale.

Artists from the York area and Harrisburg Area Community College have donated items for a silent auction. Winners will be announced Saturday, Nov. 14.

This Friday, visitors can take in "Art Nite with the Artists," which will let them talk with local artists about their work and techniques.

On Nov. 14, the farm will host "Enjoying the Holidays with Entertainment and Demonstrations." Drummer and artist Georgie Le Hoop will use his drumsticks as a paintbrush and drum on canvas to the rhythm of music.

Working with youth offers an opportunity to show them what life used to be like, he said. In addition, many of them have never been exposed to blacksmithing.

"These are not things you can just buy in the store," he said.

When young people are trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives, art offers something different than what they would normally be exposed to in the classroom. Christman also remembers how he was a tactile learner; he learned better by doing things with his hands.

Other demonstrations throughout the day include pottery, spinning, knitting, jewelry making, dry needle felting, painting, horse rides and sheep shearing. All of the programs are free.

Visitors will also be able to sit around a campfire and listen to music while enjoying a cup of soup or roasting a hot dog.

The Y.O.U.T.H. Program Inc., part of Shady Pines Farm, is sponsoring numerous art events throughout the holiday season. Visitors can talk to artists, watch a variety of arts and crafts demonstrations, meet the animals and more.