The graffiti projects talked about in my last post with the students at the Street School are complete. Words cannot do justice to the energy, artistic quality, and captivating poetry the students utilized to create their “Identity Pieces.” As a first time-teacher of this art medium in such an emotionally charged environment, I was extremely pleased at the level of engagement by all. No, I was impressed beyond imagination.
The art teacher said to me, “It is so difficult to get our students to really give their hearts to anything, given all the pain in their lives. They have so many distractions. For the first time a long while I heard the kids say, “We get to take these projects home with us, right? Gladly I responded to them, “Of course.”
As a result of this energy the students were allowed to display their projects at a fund-raising event held by the Street School. At this event, the Street School invites many affluent members of our city to a silent auction and to “meet and greet” the students. It’s a very classy event where everyone is dressed up. I was pleasantly surprised to see their art work on full display like a proper art gallery (pictures at the end of post).
New conversations are underway to continue conversing about life and art. Pray for our time with the kids at this school as we plan to find new ways to incorporate our Street Psalms conversations with art projects and explore what good news looks like in hard places.
For now, enjoy images from the fundraising events, identity pieces from the students, and the following poem written by the student whose identity piece is at the top of this post.
I am John
I am a Gangsta
I wonder if my life will ever change
I hear gun shots and loud talk
I see Gangstas in da streets
I want a new life
I am a Gangsta
I pretend I am happy
I feel like there’s no way out
I touch my heart
I worry my life will pass me up
I cry when I think about why I got myself into
I am a Gangsta
I understand God made my life this way
I say WEST SIDE till I die
I dream my life will change
I try to keep positive
I hope my life will change
I am a Gangsta
Sam Trujillo
thanks God for his handicaps,
for through them,
he has found
himself,
his work,
and his God.
Comments (7)
beautiful! clearly you guys tapped into something deep & real.
Posted by kathyescobar | November 8, 2007 5:29 AM
Posted on November 8, 2007 05:29
how beautiful, it gives me energy to remember that to be human is to be creative. was Gods original thought an art colony? is beauty what is marred, but we have masked it in morality?
love to you and the students
Posted by karlwheeler | November 8, 2007 7:34 AM
Posted on November 8, 2007 07:34
Their art work is so beautiful! It is so cool they were able to really express themselves. It helps you see things in a different light.
Posted by Uriah Quezada | November 8, 2007 12:19 PM
Posted on November 8, 2007 12:19
I am so proud of these kids. Something in them broke open and it was painful and beautiful. I also learned a lot about myself on the way, my own pain, my need to cover up myself so often so my image is preserved. Kudos to Sam for graciously giving of himself, he provided an environment for the kids to "lay down their arms" and feel comfortable sharing and listening to each other. Thanks for guiding our best project ever Sam.
Posted by Barb Fuchs | November 8, 2007 5:18 PM
Posted on November 8, 2007 17:18
Another resounding "beautiful"!
Posted by Anonymous | November 10, 2007 8:08 AM
Posted on November 10, 2007 08:08
Sam, I keep coming back to look at this work a couple of times a week.
I'm pretty much speechless about it, it gets me in a deep place.
Posted by Sage H | November 10, 2007 11:27 PM
Posted on November 10, 2007 23:27
Sam, way cool! I'd love to hear more about the stories behind the pieces. There's really something about them that's alluring. Thanks for your passion!!!
Posted by Jose Escobar | November 12, 2007 9:38 PM
Posted on November 12, 2007 21:38