THE POWER OF LEADERSHIP
A SHORT FILM
WORLD PREMIERE THE POWER OF LEADERSHIP
Greater Nexus
89-14 Parsons Blvd, Queens, NY 11432
Thursday, August 8th, 2024
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Syr-Ivan Bennet, Teaching Artist
Sofia Pujol Teaching Artist Assistant
YOUTH APPRENTICES: Soraya Bissoon
Theoneil Brown
Shanice Hanniford
Celina Griffith
Xakaiyah Ketter
Sandy Rivera
Jordanny Nunez
Temera Thompson
Ashley Watford
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: https://vimeo.com/1001357268?share=copy
READ MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT HERE: https://www.creativeartworks.org/blogpreview/qcjccapturing-the-voices-of-leaders-in-jamaica-queens
FROM KAREN JOLICOEUR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
This summer, at six different worksites, Creative Art Works is offering 115 young New Yorkers an extraordinary opportunity. Over the course of six demanding weeks, our Youth Apprentices are working together to create large-scale works of public art and short documentary films. While some come to us with artistic backgrounds, many do not. Either way, it is a challenge to learn—or hone—their creative skills while building a team, reaching consensus on design choices, and pitching their concepts to clients. The rigorous pace and high expectations invite YAs to rise to the occasion and foster significant personal development.
It is a joy to watch the evolution of their artwork, and even more so the transformation within the Youth Apprentices themselves. Through the mentorship of our talented teaching artists and management staff, they emerge as leaders, become confident presenters, and form meaningful connections as they collaborate with their peers. They also, by the end of the summer, enjoy a well-earned sense of accomplishment when their art is presented or premiered for the public.
Given the prevailing concern for young people in our post-pandemic world, it has been extremely moving to witness the level of deep engagement with, and support for, each other these young adults have demonstrated across all worksites. We work to “set the conditions,” but it’s up to the Youth Apprentices to bring the magic! Consistent themes captured in this year’s murals and films include leadership, change, transformation, and growth—a metaphor for the blossoming we are witnessing in them.
This short film, “The Power of Leadership,” contains profiles of local leaders in Jamaica, Queens, seen through the lens of Youth Apprentices from Queens. Their goal was to create a visually captivating narrative that not only highlights the impact of these leaders but also engages viewers in a deeply immersive experience. We hope you enjoy this film.
Yours sincerely,
Karen Jolicoeur Executive Director
Left to right: Jordanny Nunez, Temera Thompson, Theoneil Brown, Shanice Hanniford,
Teaching Artist Sofia
Teaching Artist Syr-Ivan
Pujol,
Bennet, Celina Griffith, Xakaiyah Ketter, Ashley Watford, Soraya Bissoon.
Ashley was born in Queens, New York. She is completing her education at Queens College, where she is focusing on business and economics. She enjoys helping her community, which includes working with youth and gardening in different parts of the city to combat food deserts. Ashley enjoys exploring different places in the city, anime, and thrifting.
Jordanny is from the Dominican Republic and Mexico. He lives in Corona, Queens. One thing he likes doing is taking pictures. He also enjoys planting herbs and greens. He goes to Forest Hills High School.
Ashley Watford
Jordanny Nunez
Celina was born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens. She currently resides in Manhattan. She is a young published writer and activist who participates in community change in the form of cohorts that seek to better their local communities. She recently founded her own nonprofit, called The Poster Project Foundation, which aims to create a more positive paradigm for society, especially where it is needed most. Celina aims to become a media proprietor through her own project initiatives for the betterment of society and actively participates in community justice.
Sandy was born in the small country of Guatemala. Sandy was nine when her family immigrated to America and her new life began. She’s currently 18 years old. Sandy has worked at the Queens Museum as an Art Intern. She’s a first generation American soon getting her education at St. John's university. She’s a very proud immigrant trying to inspire upcoming generations in her family. Sandy loves to spend time with her three nephews and tries to spoil them. She enjoys playing volleyball and soccer. She has a younger sister who is following her footsteps.
Celina Griffith
Sandy Rivera
Soraya Bissoon
Soraya is of Puerto Rican and Trinidadian descent but grew up in Queens where she currently resides. She is entering her second year of college, focusing on psychology. She plans to also enroll in cosmetology school. New things interest her, leading her to gain many skills such as gardening, baking, crocheting, origami, and photography. In her free time, Soraya enjoys exploring and hanging out with her younger brother. She looks forward to traveling more and improving her skills in styling hair.
Theoneil is 18 years old. He was born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica. He currently lives in Jamaica, Queens. Theoneil wants to go to college to study engineering. He likes to play video games and football, sleep, and also watch movies with friends and family.
Theoneil Brown
Temera is 17 years old. She was born and raised in Jamaica and lives in Queens, New York. Temera is very proud of meeting and making new friends. Temera enjoys participating in track and field, which is her safe place. She looks forward to majoring in business in college.
Xakaiyah is from Queens and still lives in Queens. But – fun fact – listen closely… Xakaiyah was born in Forest Hills Hospital THE DAY SHE BECAME HUMAN! She is still learning about life. Her dream job is to become a mental health therapist so she can be there for people who may not have anyone to be there with them, and to build an open comfort space for the community. One day, she would like to cook for Gordon Ramsay without getting yelled at. Her plan is to own a beauty salon. Her dream vacation is to visit Japan or Mexico.
Temera Thompson
Xakaiyah Ketter
Shanice Hanniford
Shanice Hanniford is an 18-year-old from Jamaica. She moved to New York when she was seven years old. She is in 12th grade, and she enjoys Jamaican cuisine, movies, and painting. Shanice wants to continue her education after high school by going to college and studying nursing and real estate.
Creative Art Works’ Public Art Youth Employment program receives support from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the Office of the Manhattan Borough President, the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, the Find Your Light Foundation, the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation, the Ponce de Leon Foundation, and the William Talbot Hillman Foundation.
Sy-Ivan Bennet, Teaching Artist
Syr-Ivan is a story artist, writer, and filmmaker based in Brooklyn with several years of experience working for companies such as Nickelodeon ("Dora the Explorer," "Go, Diego,Go!," and "Little Bill"), MTV (Truth ad campaign), Marvel Comics (SpiderMan, Barbie), and PBS (“Super Why!”). In addition to developing production and story art for animation, film, and books, he has recently developed his craft in writing and story structure. His art and writing styles range from whimsical and kid-friendly to satirical and noir. He completed his BFA at Pratt Institute in Illustration and completed his thesis film, "The Telepathetics," at the School of Visual Arts. He has since formed his own creative studio, Late Night Snack Entertainment, LLC, where he has had the extreme pleasure of working for Barack and Michelle Obama’s company, HigherGround.
Sofia is an artist and arts educator from Miami, Florida, who now lives in the borough of Manhattan. She received her B.F.A. from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2016, where she studied General Fine Arts and Animation. Since then, she has been dedicated to arts education in various forms, teaching in settings ranging from public schools and community centers to museums and other arts institutions. Her favorite part of both art-making and art education is the ability of art to empower, uplift, inspire, and connect people. She has curated and shown work in exhibitions in New York, Baltimore, New Jersey, and Switzerland.
Sofia Pujol, Teaching Artist
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 premiere. 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 38-year-old nonprofit that empowers young people through the visual and multimedia arts. 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. Our programs build confidence, unlock a love of learning, and teach valuable technical and social-emotional skills while creating profound connections between our young constituents, their art and their communities. www.creativeartworks.org
