Students in our San Francisco Health Education through Art Program or the “HEArt of the City” demonstrated the brilliance of young people when they use art to create, collaborate, and connect with one another. Several weeks ago students at International Studies Academy began preparing for “Lights On” Open Mic, an event that would showcase student artists and celebrate the ISA After School Program as a safe space for teens to learn, grow and be inspired.
"Lights On" Open Mic was a collaboration between MMAP and the ISA After School Program
Students recruited participants, posted fliers and prepared performances for the celebration. They also unveiled a fresh new t-shirt design, the capstone project of the environmental justice unit. Drawing from a 3 hour design workshop with over 20 middle and high school students, ISA teens John Blanco and Josh Consul finalized a design rooted in sustainability, respect for each other, the earth and the great city of San Francisco. The peace sign forms the branches of the tree, and when students look down they see the constant reminder of inner peace. Under the guidance of guest artist Rick Kitagawa, a professional artist from the local gallery Big Umbrella Studios, students participated in a screen printing workshop and printed their own t-shirts to wear during the Open Mic.
Guidance from Teen Art Instructors Josh Consul and John Blanco spurred the Starr King 5th grade class to create their own fashionable items out of recycled objects
John and Josh share their t-shirt design with a class of Starr King 5th graders studying sustainable fashion.
Open Mic participant Beronica prints her t-shirt.
Last Thursday, the result of all the hard work paid off. Over 30 students danced, created a live graffiti piece, performed original poetry, rocked out on guitar, and sang to a packed auditorium with over 95 students and 20 staff members to cheer them on. The event was a reminder that when we empower students with the tools for positive expression, they will not only exceed but they will excel beyond our greatest expectations.
Congratulations to the HEArt of the City for putting on a great show!
Two winners of the Open Mic raffle received a sweatshirt with the new design!
