Expression Ave

N O I S S E R P EX

AVE

Public Art Youth Employme nt Program, Summer 2025 1

“EXPRESSION AVE.”

ting Event World Premiere & Grand Culmina Thursday, August 14th 3:00 p.m. ty The Forum at Columbia Universi 601 W 125th Street New York, NY 10027

About the Film a short film Welcome to the World premiere of munity and celebrating the West Harlem com Creative Art its vibrant arts scene. Not only did w musicians, fine Works Youth Apprentices intervie n designers, they artists, restauranteurs, and fashio ity to include expanded the definition of creativ vendors, and local barbers, fashionistas, street food clude with a Q&A merchants. The screening will con ed by our Grand session with the filmmakers follow Culminating event.

Syr-Ivan Bennet, Teaching Artist Amrita Sing, Teaching Artist Alison Martinez, Teaching Artist Assistant-in-Training

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Karen Jolicoeur From Executive Director for our Public Art This summer, CAW hired 135 NYC teens and young adults responsibility. ndous treme Youth Employment program and handed them their skills, lend to (YAs) ntices Appre Youth We once again entrusted these tions, institu public and ations corpor major to ity human talents, grit, and every this done We’ve art. knowing that they will deliver a stunning work of longer no can we ugh d—tho inspire always summer for decades, and we are ! create they what ed—by surpris say we are completely cale paintings. One This year, our YAs painted four stunning murals or large-s a waiting area in s visitor to ssion compa and series of panels offers hope ming and welco a s create mural r interio An Court.

Family y at Kings Count Morningside in r Cente rstone inclusive teen space in the Grant Houses Corne us in West Camp Schiff H. Jacob the at mural r Heights. An expansive exterio BXP has rter suppo me long-ti , Finally unity. comm local the Harlem celebrates ses, canva five the s; center commissioned an abstract work for its marketing a create and world l natura the evoke which work together or separately, welcoming space. er. A team of young We also assembled two multimedia teams this summ ative printed guidebook inform and ming welco a ed graphic artists has design Court system. At the for the five county courthouses within the NYC Family lling and moving compe a ced same time, a crew of young filmmakers produ home.

Harlem West call who artists of kinds portrait of some of the many of remarkable. Of What our teams produced this summer is nothing short YAs up for success our set Artists ing Teach course, it’s true that our staff and Still, we never lose rt. suppo and ent, ragem encou rship, with instruction, mento less capacity bound sight of what our young people bring to the table: their their fresh h throug unities comm to contribute, to lead, and to enrich their sion. expres tic perspective and authen ful testament to the Their extraordinary accomplishments serve as a power you share our deep hope We youth. our within boundless potential residing by their talent and d shape future a to d forwar look we as sm sense of optimi vision.

Yours sincerely,

Karen Jolicoeur Executive Director 3

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in r e t a C e i r a m n n A

Annmarie Caterina grew up in Connecticut and currently resides in Harlem. She will attend college in the fall, majoring in English and literature. Annmarie wants to become an author and finds beauty in art and expression of words, especially in poetry and films. This is Annmarie’s second time working with Creative Art Works. She previously painted and helped in the creation of a mural.

She specifically loves how CAW creates a community for everyone. Annmarie had a ceramics piece titled “The Melancholy Lamb” that was featured in the teachers exhibition at Columbia University. Annmarie is a creative person and loves to express herself through the art she makes. She loves creating art and making other people see the meaning behind her art.

n w o r B r e h p o t s i r Ch

Christopher B rown is a film maker, videographer , and photogra pher raised in uptown New York. A gradua te of Art and Design High Sc hool with a m ajor in film, he’s worked on a wide range of projects and campaigns for organizatio ns like The Bronx Film Initi ative, Harlem Fashion Week, Oakley Sungla sses, the BBC Network, and the Youth Design Cente r in Brooklyn.

Christopher br ings a signatur e edge to his work, marked by a distinct co lor grading style, grunge-in spired aesthe tics, analog media, and fil m developmen t. His favorite part about wor king with Cre ative Art Works this summer ha s been the op portunity to connect with his community while also expanding his portfolio.

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Emily Ramon

Living in The Bronx, Emily Ramon is a rising senior at Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School. This is her first experience working with Creative Arts Works (CAW), though she has participated in various arts projects throughout her school years. Growing up, she has always loved exploring different types of media, including movies, music, and creating art during her free time. She feels more confident in her communication skills and enjoys connecting with other artists, especially when collaborating on this film project. What she enjoys most about working in CAW is having access to a variety of materials and equipment she hasn’t used before, making the experience both exciting and fulfilling. In the future, Emily hopes to pursue more art-related opportunities and explore her creative passions further in college.

Erica Guaman

ing in Queens a student resid is an m ua G a Eric n. This is her hool in Manhatta and attends sc e Art Works a part of Creativ first time being The projects am-led project. and joining a te required or aj ed for her m she has complet t part. os m e th r ndently fo working indepe resting e finds most inte The medium sh aracter to it allows the ch is animation, as passion g in is is an ongo come to life. Th io Ghibli ud St in st r intere that rose from he , she has ut this program films. Througho a, using with the camer enjoyed working h. She ac tre d doing ou Premiere Pro, an t ou ab e or to learn m has been able e tiv ra bo lla the co being a part of ve similar udents who ha st ith w s es proc interests.

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George Sanchez from The Bronx George Sanchez is a junior for Environmental attending the High School eavor in a Creative end Studies. This is his first r experience prio no with t Art Works projec . From a arts the in ally sion fes working pro trated ons young age he has always dem id to afra t isn’ a passion for the arts and ll with we rks wo He ity. express his creativ g, win dra ng udi incl ms diu several me more. He has animation, stop motion, and ject. He pro this enjoyed contributing to g with rkin wo t res inte an has newly found istical log the in g atin ticip par cameras and rk wo ting aspect of the project, conduc s. tion nica mu com in public relations and te ilita fac ls skil tion nica His strong commu ject pro ting ple com in ncy cie greater effi nt in his own deadlines. He feels confide to this project. gs abilities and what he brin

Jade Troncoso born in the Jade Troncoso (she/her) was ted igra imm and ic ubl Dominican Rep s is Thi . old rs yea five at nx to The Bro e ativ Cre at her first summer working ic dem aca her an Art Works. She beg studying career at Syracuse University ently rec and y, log hno tec tion informa sue pur to CC transferred to LaGuardia t bes her put to ves a art. Jade always stri g suin pur is she en wh n foot forward eve tly writing at new challenge. She is curren erience exp r He k. boo try poe t firs her nce g. She had one prior experie CAW has been eye openin and the full skillset of s era cam of g hin not but knew working on a student film, a new path to what’s on t e Art Works she has set foo filming, but through Creativ arts. possible in a career in the

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Kalil Clarke Kalil (KC) Cla rke was born in Harlem. Th community ar e ound him reco gnizes him fo his boxing an r d impact on th e youth. He went to Chels ea CTE High School to stud graphic design y . This is when he ran into Creative Art W orks for the fir st time. His first job in char acter design w as rewarded for best charac ter design and story. This led him to reac h out to Creat ive Art Works once again to get back into multimedia and gain mor e experience in the field.

Now in college , Kalil is obtain ing his BFA in communicat ion design. H e enjoys adapting wha t he knows to fit into what he has strugg what makes hi le d with and be m un lie iq ves that’s ue . Outside of w and shopping ork, Kalil enjo at vintage or go ys boxing thic stores. At joking around work, he can or focused on be spotted drawing tiny pi ctures for his team.

Leiani Lynch Leiani Lynch (she/her) is Afro-Latino, and grew up in West Harlem on 125th before moving to East Harlem just a few years ago. She now attends The Young Women’s Leadership High School.

She specializes in graphic design and assists with animation and storyboarding in the upcoming film. Creative Art Works has helped her expand her creative skills by animating different perspectives and transitions. Her team of fellow YAs and their positive energy has helped her grow within a community and with her art. Creative Art Works has also taught her new skills, like filming and taking photos on camera, setting up an interview, working with sound, and the importance of lighting across media. Overall, this has been a great summer program for her, and she might return next summer.

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chez, Chris

k, Emily Ramon, George San

Back Row: Zanay Marie Coo

Front Row: Nicole Borders,

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Teaching Artist Amrita Singh,

Annma

(KC) s Brown, Star Blakney, Kalil

n Bennet, Leiani Lynch

Clarke, Teaching Artist Syr-Iva

n-Training Alison Martinez

, Teaching Artist Assistant-i

arie Caterina, Merina Begum

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Merina Begum Merina Begum (she/her) imm igrated from Bangladesh to NY when she was one and up in Brooklyn grew . She is curren tly attending C City College.

UNY This is her first time working CAW project. on a She is interest ed in making as a career be films cause she wan ts her creative stories to com e to life. The be st thing about her summer jo b is that she’s able to gain m experience w ore ith making a cr eative project build new conn and ections. At he r job, Merina lik editing on Prem ed iere and getti ng used to th cameras. She e also enjoyed learning abou and syncing au t mics dio. While wor king, Merina w able to make as friends and sl owly became comfortable w more ith her fellow youth appren tices.

Nicole Borders in The Bronx, Nicole Borders was raised ire life. She where she has lived her ent Community nx is currently attending Bro ree in deg a ard College, working tow time t firs her is s Thi . criminal justice ject, and pro a edi ltim mu a in g atin particip fident, con re it has helped her grow mo s. nce erie exp new vocal, and open to oys enj ole Nic ics, dem Outside of aca time crocheting and often spends ition that trad cooking with her family, a daily life. her in nt has remained importa g others pin hel ut abo ate She is passion ltiple mu ng lori exp in ted res and is inte ng udi incl career paths in the future, vice. Through each ser nity mu com law, advocacy, and ls and deepen her tinues to strengthen her skil new opportunity, Nicole con aningful impact. commitment to making a me

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Shaniquia Scott Shaniquia Scott (she/her) is a young artist with Jamaican roots residing in The Bronx. Currently a student at Evanders Childs High School, Shaniqua is a fast learner who finds joy in anything creative.

Some things she always enjoys are talking about her future, reading, and just relaxing at home. Being a crafty hands-on artist, she is especially talented in hair and is still perfecting her skills in nails.

Shaniquia is known for her kindness and being very calm, honest, and always putting others first. Since joining the Creative Art Works program she has explored and participated in many new artistic endeavors like digital drawing, photography, and even film.

Star Blakney

Star Blakney is a multi-face ted artist currently in hi s sophomore year attending How ard University . He’s on track to obtain a BFA in phot ography.

Coming from an extensive history of art-making, in cluding, but no t limited to: creating co mic books at 8 years old, and acting an d directing th roughout middle and hi gh school. Star is currently focused on pu rsuing photog raphy and videography as a full-time ende avor.

His backgrou nd as an Afro -Latino man growing up in the Bronx has shaped his perspective of the world, influ encing him to put a spotlig ht on people of color in his art. Star br ings his own ex perience in photograph y to his first su mmer with CAW–shootin g primarily fash ion and nature photog raphy. He does n’t shy away from co llaboration an d is inspired by his peers an d other artists , using new knowledg e to bring this multimedia project to life.

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n n a h h C y n a h p e St s) is a nn (she/her/her Stephany Chha , Queens. ng hi us Fl m tor fro freelance illustra te itu st from Fashion In She graduated in A BF a in 2023 with of Technology e is her second tim is Th illustration. but her , ks or W t Ar e eativ working with Cr ia ed ng in their multim first time worki d te in pa s previously division. She ha s en ue Q W for the murals with CA can be 2023. Her work in t ur Co Family like. m etchy and drea described as sk s to ay w t inking abou She is always th t en nd pe de f as an in promote hersel in s te pa rtici illustrator, and pa w York selling Ne in ts ke ar m art rious forms of her artwork in va W working with CA merchandise. By e her id ov pr n ca e s sh again, she hope ultimedia film. their feature m in ut tp ou e tiv crea

Zanay Cook

nx/Harlem Zanay Marie Cook is a Bro ator, and cre t ten con a is native. She gs her real brin o wh two of m mo proud everything into life, creativity, and energy rking wo e tim t firs her she does. This is for nce cha a n bee it’s with CAW, and self. On her of side new a into tap her to s content that’s social media, Zanay create g—sharing irin insp honest, stylish, and that people way a in ry sto pieces of her for being connect with. She’s known wing up sho ays real, relatable, and alw hard. s get life en wh with heart, even ld more bui her ped hel has r This summe ’s she confidence in her voice, and ing last a ve lea focused on using it to s. goe she impact wherever

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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 39-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. Working in underserved neighborhoods of New York City, in public schools, recreation centers, foster care facilities, parks, juvenile justice settings, and in the remote environment, CAW provides dynamic creative youth development for those who otherwise lack access. Our programs build confidence, unlock a love of learning, and teach valuable technical and socialemotional skills while creating profound connections between our young constituents, their art and their communities. www.creativeartworks.org

SUPPORTERS

Milton & Sally Avery Arts Foundation

Creative Art Works’ Public Art Youth Employment program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Creative Art Works’ programming is made possible, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

PARTNERS

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t t e n n e B Teaching Artist n a v I r Sy t, writer, t is a story artis Syr-Ivan Bennet yn with based in Brookl and filmmaker king for or w experience several years of (“Dora n eo od as Nickel companies such d “Little o, Diego,Go!,” an the Explorer,” “G arvel M ad campaign), Bill”), MTV (Truth PBS d an ), an, Barbie Comics (Spider-M loping ve de to n In additio (“Super Why!”). ation, story art for anim production and he has recently film, and books, d story aft in writing an cr developed his es yl st g in t and writ structure. His ar endly fri dki d an msical range from whi ed et d noir. He compl to a satirical an tion ra st illu t Institute in his BFA at Prat he "T , m fil his thesis and completed the School of at s," ic et Telepath has since formed Visual Arts. He ght Snack sure of e studio, Late Ni tiv ea cr n e extreme plea ow s hi re he has had th he herGround. w ig C, H , LL ny t pa en Entertainm bama’s com O lle he ic M d ck an working for Bara

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Amrita Singh

Teaching Artist

Born in India and raised in Chicago, Amrita Singh is a filmmaker and educator currently based in Brooklyn.

She graduated from NYU with her MFA in filmmaking where she later served as adjunct faculty. In addition to her roles as a Teaching Artist with Creative Art Works and Ass istant Professor in film and media studies at Pace University, Amrita is currently developing her first feature film “Foreign-Returned,” a post-co lonial ghost story set in her family’s hometown of Nagercoil, Ind ia.

Teaching Artist z e in rt a Alison M Assistant-in-Tr ain eative is returning to Cr tantAlison Martinez sis As t Teaching Artis w.

Art Works as a ro a in er m r 3rd sum in-Training for he as n iso Al to lly natura Teaching comes and about creativity te na io ss pa she is lows al e nc new experie e community. The th on e iv ct her perspe of her to reframe or at lit ci fa r te g a grea , project by bein am ing within her te community build tic thening her artis as well as streng f el rs he s e expresse knowledge. Sh ys jo en d an ic h mus artistically throug ta ob ined spel choir. She singing in a go ith an se e EMT licen w a New York Stat . ity un m m rve her co aspiration to se s ha n iso Al , W with CA While working in ip experience gained leadersh photography, t construction, se , ts ar al su vi e th d filmmaking. videography, an

ing

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