"Momentum" by Cafe Spicy by Creative Art Works

PUBLIC ART YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM SUMMER 2018

“MOMENTUM” BY CAFE SPICY

PUBLIC ART YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM SUMMER 2018 MOMENTUM by Cafe Spicy Unveiling Celebration Wednesday, August 8th, 12:30 PM Dock 72, Brooklyn Navy Yard 160 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Toccara Davenport, Teaching Artist Sofia Pujol, Teaching Artist Niki Singleton, Teaching Artist Assistant Linda Sedda, Teaching Artist Assistant About the Mural

This mural celebrates the past and inspires the future of Dock 72 and the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which continues to be a center of cutting edge innovation, industry and entrepreneurship. The grand scale of the mural is intended to be seen from across The Hudson. The images include one of the many great battleships constructed in the Navy Yard and the workers who built it, landmarks of the waterfront including brownstones, cargo cranes, and The Brooklyn Bridge; and emblems of the modern tech explosion, including computers and droids.

FROM BRIAN RICKLIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The so-called Generation Z has been described as disconnected and pessimistic, but that is certainly not the case with the 150 young people I’ve had the pleasure of working with in this summer’s Public Art Youth Employment Program. Our Youth Apprentices have a sense of purpose and are hungry to do something meaningful. Inside this brochure, you will meet our future doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, accountants, scientists, social workers, and inspired artists. Most are still in high school; a few have started college. They have diverse interests that include poetry to politics, carpentry to computers, fashion to finance, and everything else one might find in our diverse city. For some, this was their first job. Many had little to no experience painting or producing a documentary short film. What they had in common was a commitment to creativity and an eagerness to rise to the challenge, making relevant and expressive public art. I am inspired by their remarkable individuality and all the genuine connections they made. I am also blown away by their perseverance. While their actions and their art speak volumes, I would like to highlight some of their own words, too. Below are a few of my favorite quotes from our summer series of “lightning interviews” (You can find complete versions on our social media outlets and blog): “A friend asked me, ‘Would you rather work hard all summer or would you rather have fun and paint?’ And I said, ‘I think painting sounds hard!’” – Kimani “I have executives, I have clients, I have people that I have to get approval from... It feels like there are high expectations.” – Marvin Kimani & Marvin, a creative job is tough – there was a lot of pressure, so congratulations on sticking with it! “I just want to create something that’s meaningful.”

– Britney

Britney, you certainly did! It’s been a privilege to be witness to yours and all the teams’ creative processes and personal growth. To all our supporters, thank you for making this possible. And to our readers and especially those in attendance today, thank you for joining in celebration of each and every apprentice and their collective art which is being revealed here today.

Cafe Spicy 4

Andrea Reid Andrea is 17-years-old and is from Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. She will be beginning her freshman year in undergrad studies this fall and intends to major in psychology. This is her first CAW job, and she has enjoyed learning different forms of art through the opportunity. She has experience in writing, spoken word, dance, and now painting. This summer, she learned to shade and scale images, and to take an idea and make it her own. She especially enjoyed working with many different personalities as part of a team. Andrea has the ability to turn something bland into something inspiring and vibrant.

Alex Quintero Alex Quintero is 20-years-old and lives in Brownsville, NY. He is a self-taught artist and is excited about creating public artwork with CAW this summer. Originally from Manabi Manta, Ecuador, Alex came to America to live the American dream and to experience a new way of life. Alex learned to draw by seeing elements in his environment and illustrating objects as animated figures. His hobbies include drawing, playing video games, playing DnD, and reading. His first mural experience was at 16. Alex enjoys working with CAW and contributing his artistic skills to the mural design process.

Oscar Saavedra Oscar is 21-years-old and was born and raised in Brooklyn and attended the Brooklyn High School of the Arts. Majoring in fine arts, he learned to paint abstractly, create chiaroscuro paintings, and work with molding. Oscar chose the path of mechanical engineering at City College of New York, and continued his studies at the University of Buffalo; however, his passion for the arts prompted him to change his major to environmental design. Oscar plans to finish two passion projects: starting an e-commerce business in accessories, and branding his clothing line. He wants to raise environmental awareness and unite people through the wonders of nature. Oscar’s motto is, “Peace, love, harmony.”

Celeste Ramos Celeste Ramos is 18-years-old and is a freshman at John Jay College for Criminal Justice. She is Puerto Rican and is from Brooklyn, New York. She plays pitcher and third base on her softball team and enjoys it dearly. Her dream job is becoming an SVU detective in order to give back to her community. This is her first job with Creative Art Works, and what she’s enjoyed most about this summer has been getting to learn new skills in drawing and painting a mural. She has made many friends that she hopes to hold on to. From her experience with client presentations, Celeste feels more confident about public speaking. She is completely happy to have this experience with CAW.

Jatinder Singh-Solis Jatinder Solis is 16 and from Bushwick, Brooklyn. This has been his first work experience with CAW, and he has leaned many new skills and drawing techniques. He brought his own talents and skills to the team, and made new connections that he would describe as brothers and best friends. He feels he has gained more confidence through the program. The best part of this summer has been meeting new people and working professionally. Jatinder enjoys bike rides, going to the gym, spending time with his bros, hanging out with his family, and traveling. He would like to appear on TV someday as an actor.

Desiree Singletary Desiree Singletary is 18-years-old and from Brooklyn. She attends Urban Assembly for Music and Art, and aspires to pursue a career in graphic arts and illustration. This is her first time working with CAW. She previously worked at Young Mind Day Care Center, which was a great experience. She finds working for CAW tangible and rewarding. Some new skills she has learned include working together and refining her art. Her personality is shy and sarcastic, and she is very creative. Her hobbies are dancing and drawing, and she loves sleeping. She has connected with her coworkers and finds that they have a good energy. 8

Devalis Carver Devalis Carver is 19-years-old and is from Brooklyn. He studies studio art at York College. This is his first work experience with CAW. The best part about his job has been having the chance to apply his exceptional creative skills. Devalis is a piano player who loves creating music, specifically hip hop, trap, and R&B instrumentals and lyrics. He also enjoys drawing and toggling with autotune as a way to express his inner emotions. Despite his height, Devalis was not great at sports and his differences made him a target of bullying throughout his childhood. He felt lonely until he found his passion: music. He continues to grow confidence in himself and communicating with his peers.

Kezia King This is Kezia Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first year with Creative Art Works. She is a committed and focused filmmaker, singer, dancer, actress, and model. Overall, she is an entrepreneur and artist. She aspires for her films to make it to the big screen while also pursuing acting on the side. This summer, she has made many new friends and connections with a variety of people who can rap, sing, act, and more. Although the job is based in visual arts, the group is very diverse. Kezia is 17-years-old and is an upcoming senior at Talent Unlimited High School for Performing Arts, on the Upper East Side.

Isabella Diaz Isabella Diaz is a 16-year-old from Brooklyn, NY. She is a rising senior in Brooklyn High School of the Arts. Her major is vocal performance. She enjoys performing in theater arts, especially musical theatre. Once, she auditioned for a part in a live production of West Side Story. Although she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gain the role, she gained a lot of confidence. While working with CAW, Isabella has gained a better understanding of creating art, presenting to clients, and meeting new friends. She has also gained a lot of knowledge and advice from her Teaching Artists, and hopes to use these skills in the future.

Jade Campbell Jade is 18-years-old and from Brooklyn. She is an upcoming senior at Benjamin Banneker Academy. She is outspoken, adventurous, and an aggressive leader who does not take â&#x20AC;&#x153;noâ&#x20AC;? for an answer. Her specialties include singing, dancing, creating, and designing. She is interested in working and spending her time productively. Jade is determined, hardworking, and intelligent, and values opportunities, new places, and cultures. She has enjoyed this experience with CAW because she has learned about painting and colors.

Isanah Strickland Isanah is 16-years-old and lives in Brooklyn. She is an upcoming junior at NYC Museum School in Chelsea. She aspires to attend college after graduation and plans to work in the medical field. This is her third year working, but first time with Creative Art Works. She enjoyed contributing to the mural design and learning art skills. She enjoys creating art as a hobby and has a passion for history. Isanah is appreciative of support from her family. She says that without them, she would not be where she is today.

Jaysha Stanback Jaysha is 16-years-old and comes from Brooklyn. She is currently attending the Urban Assembly for Music and Arts High School as a senior. Jaysha has always had a passion for the arts, especially music. She spends most of her time in the studio, either producing or recording music. Although working with CAW wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t what she expected, she enjoys every moment she spends being able to practice her creative skills. This job has introduced her to a new side of art that she had not explored before. She is happy to collaborate with other creative people.

Ajene Christian Ajene (AJ) is 18-years-old and from Brooklyn, NY. She will begin her first semester at Medgar Evans College this fall. AJ was excited to work this summer; this is her first CAW project. During her leisure time, AJ enjoys relaxing, playing video games, and watching movies. Prior to working with CAW, AJ had experience using tools to create public art. Her favorite pet is her dog, Skippy.

Michguerly Jean Michguerly is 19-years-old and lives in Brooklyn. She is attending Medgar Evers College. The best thing about her summer job with CAW was working with others and getting to know each and everyone. This job has improved her confidence and helped her to feel more connected to her community. She spends her time reading books, watching movies, cleaning her house, and listening to music. She is good at being herself. The things she loves the most are sleeping, doing new things, and shopping. She spends most of her time thinking about her future and who she will become.

Messiah Payne Messiah Payne is 17-years-old and from Brooklyn. He attends Brooklyn Community of the Arts and Media High School. Messiah loves to dance and draw. This is his first project with CAW. He chose to work on the mural this summer because he loves art, enjoys working in teams, and learning more about painting. He is kind, funny, and respectful.

Naqwan Smith Naqwan Smith is 18-years-old and is looking to work in the city job field, particularly transportation. He takes part in many activities, like bike riding, studying cars, and playing football and basketball, his favorite sports. He also enjoys the outdoors as much as he does indoors, so no kind of job is an obstacle for him. Naqwanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past work includes everything from operating large equipment to working with youth, so he has a variety of experience. He is looking forward to having many future job opportunities to gain a greater experience of New York City, and to gain more knowledge of life.

Olivia Contier Olivia Contiero is 17-years-old and lives in the Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn. She is originally from Chonquing, China. Olivia is interested in criminal justice and veterinary studies. Her hobbies include exploring different looks using makeup, and dancing with the New York Chinese Culture Company. She loves being around animals. Olivia is most known for being funny, kind, generous, and cute. In the past, she has worked with ceramics, painting on canvas, and tracing. This is her first summer working with CAW.

Xavier Llera Xavier is 16-years-old and lives in Brooklyn. In the future, Xavier would like to be an actor and model, because it would let him express his character and make others happy; or a plastic surgeon, which is inspired by his uncle. Xavierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite color is blue. He is funny and very chill, and enjoys road trips to Florida.

Omar Campbell-Avila Omar is 18-years-old. He grew up between Brooklyn and Roatan, Honduras. He recently graduated from Williamsburg Prep High School and will begin attending New York City College of Technology. He aspires to be an actor. His previous art experiences focused on performance and acting. This is his first CAW job, and he values being able to learn about different artistic ideas and practices. His favorite thing about the job is being able to make new friends with people who have unique life experiences. He is very charismatic and creative, and is excited to learn new ways of expression, and learning more about his own creativity.

Timothy Daly This is Timothy Dalyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first year with Creative Art Works. He is 16-yearsold and from Brooklyn. He attends Williamsburg Prep High School. He is very driven and passionate about his dreams, which include performing professionally and starting businesses in beauty, dance, and fashion. Timothy has shown through his actions that he will accomplish anything that he puts his mind to. Timothy has acted with Brooklyn Acts for five years and has been in three plays produced by the cast, as well as other short projects. He has also participated in cross country and track and field for all three years of his high school experience. This summer experience has helped him reconnect with visual arts and expand his ideas.

Rachel Gibson Rachel Gibson is 17-years-old. She resides in Brooklyn and attends Summit Academy Charter School. This is her first time working with Creative Art Works. This summer job has allowed her to create in ways sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never done before. Her confidence in her art skills increased tremendously since sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learned she can do things once she puts her mind to it. She spends her time hanging out with her friends and talking about conspiracy theories, watching YouTube videos about real events, watching dramas, and reading. Her favorite foods are Chipotle, Dominos, and fruit. She spends most of her time relaxing to music and thinking about ways she can improve her future.

Omari Scarboro Omari Scarboro is 20-years-old and was born and raised in Brooklyn. He is a bright young man who always strives to be better. Omari is a future music producer and fashion designer. He had not worked with CAW prior to this summer, but now hopes to work with the organization on a future project. He has a special passion for art, whether it is music, fashion, skating, or martial arts.

Taurus Smiley Taurus is from Brooklyn and attended the Digital Arts and Cinema Technology High School, where he graduated this June with a 3.4 GPA. He has a passion for performing and visual arts, as well as dance. His dream is to become the male version of BeyoncĂŠ. This is his first year working with CAW, and as he is open to new things, he has enjoyed the experience. He has made lifelong friends this summer and loves the new skills he has learned from his peers and mentors. He is thankful for the experience and would love to do it again.

Teaching Artist Toccara Davenport Toccara is an artist and educator from Atlanta, GA. She graduated from Bennett College in Greensboro, NC. She has over 12 years experience teaching math, science, and visual arts to primary and secondary students. Toccara has had the privilege of working with Creative Art Works for four summers. Her greatest joy is working with children and continuing to evolve socially and spiritually. She enjoys drawing, designing clothes, graphic design, and screen-printing. Her interests include dancing, singing, and cooking. She is inspired by social interactions with people from various backgrounds. Toccara aspires to keep learning, working with youth, and using her gifts to bring joy to everyone she encounters.

Teaching Artist Assistant Niki Singleton Niki Singleton is a Canadian painter, political cartoonist and sculptor based in Brooklyn. She has undertaken residencies in France, the Netherlands, and New York and has had solo exhibitions at Undercurrent Projects, NYC, the Holocaust Museum, Dallas and Imagine IC, Amsterdam. Her work has been shown at the Brooklyn Museum, Triskelion Theater, Leimay/Cave, Chelsea Art Museum, the Bowery Poetry Club, White Box Gallery, Underdonk Gallery, DAVID&SCHWEITZER Contemporary, Kustera Projects, Brooklyn Fireproof Gallery, Studio 10, Norte Maar, Sideshow Gallery, Nurture Art and the AiOP Festival in Manhattan and Brooklyn. She holds an MFA from the New York Studio School. 18

Teaching Artist Sofia Pujol Sofia Pujol received her BFA in General Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2016, where she concentrated in animation. She has been working in arts education throughout the US for several years, witnessing its power as a tool for equity and empowerment. Since moving to New York, she has been a Teaching Artist Assistant for various programs with Creative Art Works, and this is her first Summer Mural Program. Her arts practice is rooted in drawing, sewing, and research.

Teaching Artist Assistant Linda Sedda Linda has been working as a pre-K through 8th grade art teacher for the NYC Department of Education for 17 years. She has worked in collaboration with Studio in a School, Creative Art Works, and The Versailles Project through L’Edav School in France. She has continued to be the Art Liaison for that school and helped students gain recognition through art contests and portfolio work. She also teaches stage design. She has a BA in art history from SUNY at Stonybrook, and spent time studying art in Siena, Italy. Her master’s degree is in TESOL education from LIU Brooklyn. Linda combines Eastern and Western watercolor techniques in her paintings and has won second place in a juried art show for her work titled, “Family.” 19

Creative Art Works hires Youth Apprentices directly and as a worksite manager with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development Summer Youth Employment Program. Programs are implemented in partnership with Catholic Charities of New York Alianza Division, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aid Society, Inwood Community Services, and Police Athletic League. CAWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2018 Public Art Youth Employment Program is made possible, in part, by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council. Direct support is provided by Brookfield, Crowell & Moring Foundation, RBC Foundation USA, Sherwin Williams, Structure Tone, and by individual donors.

About the Public Art Youth Employment Program

Public Art Youth Employment Programs give teens and young adults full-time summer jobs and part-time jobs after school to create large-scale public art and multimedia projects. Youth Apprentices are guided by professional teaching artists from the initial concept development through client presentation, to the final edit and public unveiling or premier. Along the way, they gain tangible employment and life skills such as leadership, teamwork, responsibility and the power of taking initiative. They are empowered by the enduring accomplishment in their work of art and its positive impact on the community.

About Creative Art Works

Creative Art Works (CAW) is a 32-year-old nonprofit that empowers young people through the visual and multimedia arts.Â Our programs equip children, teens, and young adults with essential tools and skills; connect them with community, academic success, and career opportunities; and inspire them to reach for new possibilities. Working in under-served neighborhoods of New York City, in public schools, community centers, parks, and libraries, CAW provides dynamic art-making experiences for youth who otherwise lack access. Our programs build confidence, unlock a love of learning, and teach valuable technical and developmental skills while creating profound connections between our young constituents, their art and their communities. Students are never charged for participation in our programs. www.creativeartworks.org Creative Art Works is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, EIN #13-3638436 Copyright ÂŠ 2018 Creative Art Works. All rights reserved.

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