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THE ART OF S.T.E.A.M
Mark Lawrence 421, an NYC Department of Education vendor is comprised of a battery of artists, educators and social justice activists who share common goals of bettering urban communities. We believe positive action improves the quality of life of our neighborhoods. Recognize the power of creativity as a form of expression, social awareness and social change and the importance of nurturing this from the root; our inner-city youth.
With roots strongly influenced by hip hop and its culture, we aim to educate and eliminate misconceptions about the culture through a variety of arts and classes we formed S.T.E.A.M. while working with communities we launched our program THE ART OF S.T.E.A.M (science, technologies, education, art and music). This program utilizes art as an educational tool as well as creating a source of additional income for facilities vocational education and more pleasing aesthetics to the grounds and communities in which our children learn.
The ART OF S.T.E.A.M allows local artist, students, and faculty to visually enhance the schools surrounding. We paint murals that directly reflect the culture and aesthetics of the respective communities along with inspiring visuals. Students and facilities involved with THE ART OF S.T.E.A.M program as participants and artist will gain knowledge not only in art but art history within our communities, digital design, mural layout, hands on projects, science behind colors and music and how they affect our moods, beginner level t-shirt production.
For youths this program will not only involve the students but create an additional income to the facility and community via art fares and shows by students and teachers our youths how to create and sell art and understanding the process. Our program focus is the creation of art and involving the students , Communities learning about cultural significance and would promote social awareness as well as generate income.
The ART OF S.T.E.A.M was created by Mark Lawrence, a native Bronxite. His community, although low income, was rich in culture, art and music. He envisioned using his talents to give back to not only a community but generations; keeping its art and culture alive by inspiring a new generation of artists, thinkers and entrepreneurs.
SAMPLES OF EXISTING SCHOOL WALLS
The images above are examples of the existing schools without art. These drab colors have a direct influence on a child's education, mood and attention. These monotone colors also affect on faculty as well. Replacing these colors with a more brighter design geared toward empowerment and inspiration and cultural reflection sparks not only the imagination but changes moods and conversation.
INVESTING IN A POSITIVE PERCEPTION
The payoff is not only aesthetics, allowing students, faculty and visitors to see art and culture being embraced while representing the innovative spirit of each school. But also showing how involved everyone can be to a better learning environment. To have walls creatively express what is traditionally only seen in textbooks is a step towards artistically inspiring education. Showcasing young people of color in positions of success and leadership and resiliency is the beginning of a greater chain reaction investing in today's youths secures a better future for generations to come.
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