EXPRESSION AVE
“EXPRESSION AVE.”
World Premiere & Grand Culminating Event
Thursday, August 14th
3:00 p.m.
The Forum at Columbia University
601 W 125th Street
New York, NY 10027
About the Film
Welcome to the World premiere of a short film celebrating the West Harlem community and its vibrant arts scene. Not only did Creative Art Works Youth Apprentices interview musicians, fine artists, restauranteurs, and fashion designers, they expanded the definition of creativity to include barbers, fashionistas, street food vendors, and local merchants. The screening will conclude with a Q&A session with the filmmakers followed by our Grand Culminating event.
Syr-Ivan Bennet, Teaching Artist
Amrita Sing, Teaching Artist
Alison Martinez, Teaching Artist Assistant-in-Training
From Executive Director Karen Jolicoeur
This summer, CAW hired 135 NYC teens and young adults for our Public Art Youth Employment program and handed them tremendous responsibility. We once again entrusted these Youth Apprentices (YAs) to lend their skills, talents, grit, and humanity to major corporations and public institutions, knowing that they will deliver a stunning work of art. We’ve done this every summer for decades, and we are always inspired—though we can no longer say we are completely surprised—by what they create!
This year, our YAs painted four stunning murals or large-scale paintings. One series of panels offers hope and compassion to visitors in a waiting area at Kings County Family Court. An interior mural creates a welcoming and inclusive teen space in the Grant Houses Cornerstone Center in Morningside Heights. An expansive exterior mural at the Jacob H. Schiff Campus in West Harlem celebrates the local community. Finally, long-time supporter BXP has commissioned an abstract work for its marketing centers; the five canvases, which work together or separately, evoke the natural world and create a welcoming space.
We also assembled two multimedia teams this summer. A team of young graphic artists has designed a welcoming and informative printed guidebook for the five county courthouses within the NYC Family Court system. At the same time, a crew of young filmmakers produced a compelling and moving portrait of some of the many kinds of artists who call West Harlem home.
What our teams produced this summer is nothing short of remarkable. Of course, it’s true that our staff and Teaching Artists set our YAs up for success with instruction, mentorship, encouragement, and support. Still, we never lose sight of what our young people bring to the table: their boundless capacity to contribute, to lead, and to enrich their communities through their fresh perspective and authentic expression.
Their extraordinary accomplishments serve as a powerful testament to the boundless potential residing within our youth. We hope you share our deep sense of optimism as we look forward to a future shaped by their talent and vision.
Yours sincerely,
Karen Jolicoeur Executive Director
Annmarie Caterina
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.
Christopher Brown
Christopher Brown is a filmmaker, videographer, and photographer raised in uptown New York. A graduate of Art and Design High School with a major in film, he’s worked on a wide range of projects and campaigns for organizations like The Bronx Film Initiative, Harlem Fashion Week, Oakley Sunglasses, the BBC Network, and the Youth Design Center in Brooklyn. Christopher brings a signature edge to his work, marked by a distinct color grading style, grunge-inspired aesthetics, analog media, and film development. His favorite part about working with Creative Art Works this summer has been the opportunity to connect with his community while also expanding his portfolio.
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
Erica Guaman is a student residing in Queens and attends school in Manhattan. This is her first time being a part of Creative Art Works and joining a team-led project. The projects she has completed for her major required working independently for the most part. The medium she finds most interesting is animation, as it allows the character to come to life. This is an ongoing passion that rose from her interest in Studio Ghibli films. Throughout this program, she has enjoyed working with the camera, using Premiere Pro, and doing outreach. She has been able to learn more about being a part of the collaborative process with students who have similar interests.
George Sanchez
George Sanchez is a junior from The Bronx attending the High School for Environmental Studies. This is his first endeavor in a Creative Art Works project with no prior experience working professionally in the arts. From a young age he has always demonstrated a passion for the arts and isn’t afraid to express his creativity. He works well with several mediums including drawing, animation, stop motion, and more. He has enjoyed contributing to this project. He has newly found an interest working with cameras and participating in the logistical aspect of the project, conducting work in public relations and communications. His strong communication skills facilitate greater efficiency in completing project deadlines. He feels confident in his own abilities and what he brings to this project.
Jade Troncoso
Jade Troncoso (she/her) was born in the Dominican Republic and immigrated to The Bronx at five years old. This is her first summer working at Creative Art Works. She began her academic career at Syracuse University studying information technology, and recently transferred to LaGuardia CC to pursue art. Jade always strives to put her best foot forward even when she is pursuing a new challenge. She is currently writing her first poetry book. Her experience at CAW has been eye opening. She had one prior experience working on a student film, but knew nothing of cameras and the full skillset of filming, but through Creative Art Works she has set foot on a new path to what’s possible in a career in the arts.
Kalil Clarke
Kalil (KC) Clarke was born in Harlem. The community around him recognizes him for his boxing and impact on the youth. He went to Chelsea CTE High School to study graphic design. This is when he ran into Creative Art Works for the first time. His first job in character design was rewarded for best character design and story. This led him to reach out to Creative Art Works once again to get back into multimedia and gain more experience in the field. Now in college, Kalil is obtaining his BFA in communication design. He enjoys adapting what he knows to fit into what he has struggled with and believes that’s what makes him unique. Outside of work, Kalil enjoys boxing and shopping at vintage or gothic stores. At work, he can be spotted joking around or focused on drawing tiny pictures 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.
Back Row: Zanay Marie Cook, Emily Ramon, George Sanchez, Chris
Front Row: Nicole Borders, Teaching Artist Amrita Singh, Annmarie
Chris Brown, Star Blakney, Kalil (KC) Clarke, Teaching Artist Syr-Ivan Bennet, Leiani Lynch
Annmarie Caterina, Merina Begum, Teaching Artist Assistant-in-Training Alison Martinez
Merina Begum
Merina Begum (she/her) immigrated from Bangladesh to NY when she was one and grew up in Brooklyn. She is currently attending CUNY City College. This is her first time working on a CAW project. She is interested in making films as a career because she wants her creative stories to come to life. The best thing about her summer job is that she’s able to gain more experience with making a creative project and build new connections. At her job, Merina liked editing on Premiere and getting used to the cameras. She also enjoyed learning about mics and syncing audio. While working, Merina was able to make friends and slowly became more comfortable with her fellow youth apprentices.
Nicole Borders
Nicole Borders was raised in The Bronx, where she has lived her entire life. She is currently attending Bronx Community College, working toward a degree in criminal justice. This is her first time participating in a multimedia project, and it has helped her grow more confident, vocal, and open to new experiences. Outside of academics, Nicole enjoys crocheting and often spends time cooking with her family, a tradition that has remained important in her daily life. She is passionate about helping others and is interested in exploring multiple career paths in the future, including law, advocacy, and community service. Through each new opportunity, Nicole continues to strengthen her skills and deepen her commitment to making a meaningful impact.
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-faceted artist currently in his sophomore year attending Howard University. He’s on track to obtain a BFA in photography. Coming from an extensive history of art-making, including, but not limited to: creating comic books at 8 years old, and acting and directing throughout middle and high school. Star is currently focused on pursuing photography and videography as a full-time endeavor. His background as an Afro-Latino man growing up in the Bronx has shaped his perspective of the world, influencing him to put a spotlight on people of color in his art. Star brings his own experience in photography to his first summer with CAW–shooting primarily fashion and nature photography. He doesn’t shy away from collaboration and is inspired by his peers and other artists, using new knowledge to bring this multimedia project to life.
Stephany Chhann
Stephany Chhann (she/her/hers) is a freelance illustrator from Flushing, Queens. She graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology in 2023 with a BFA in illustration. This is her second time working with Creative Art Works, but her first time working in their multimedia division. She has previously painted murals with CAW for the Queens Family Court in 2023. Her work can be described as sketchy and dreamlike. She is always thinking about ways to promote herself as an independent illustrator, and participates in art markets in New York selling her artwork in various forms of merchandise. By working with CAW again, she hopes she can provide her creative output in their feature multimedia film.
Zanay Cook
Zanay Marie Cook is a Bronx/Harlem native. She is a content creator, and proud mom of two who brings her real life, creativity, and energy into everything she does. This is her first time working with CAW, and it’s been a chance for her to tap into a new side of herself. On social media, Zanay creates content that’s honest, stylish, and inspiring—sharing pieces of her story in a way that people connect with. She’s known for being real, relatable, and always showing up with heart, even when life gets hard. This summer has helped her build more confidence in her voice, and she’s focused on using it to leave a lasting impact wherever she goes.
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
PARTNERS
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.
Syr-Ivan Bennett
Teaching Artist
Syr-Ivan Bennett 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 (Spider-Man, 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 a 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.
Amrita Singh
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 Assistant Professor in film and media studies at Pace University, Amrita is currently developing her first feature film “Foreign-Returned,” a post-colonial ghost story set in her family’s hometown of Nagercoil, India.
Alison
Martinez
Teaching Artist Teaching Artist Assistant-in-Training
Alison Martinez is returning to Creative Art Works as a Teaching Artist Assistantin-Training for her 3rd summer in a row. Teaching comes naturally to Alison as she is passionate about creativity and community. The new experience allows her to reframe her perspective on the project by being a greater facilitator of community building within her team, as well as strengthening her artistic knowledge. She expresses herself artistically through music and enjoys singing in a gospel choir. She obtained a New York State EMT license with an aspiration to serve her community. While working with CAW, Alison has gained leadership experience in the visual arts, set construction, photography, videography, and filmmaking.
