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T-Kid

This past weekend over 100 artists — including such graffiti legends as T-Kid 170, Cey Adams, Cycle, Claw Money and Part One — transformed the blank white walls of August Martin High School into a dazzling, brilliant canvas. Curatated by Meres One with Marie Cecile Flaegul, the freshly-painted artworks represent a multitude of cultures, sensibilities and styles. While visiting yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak to August Martin student, Justin Price.

This is all so amazing! Your school is an absolute wonderland! What inspired this magical change?

The walls in our school were recently painted white. They looked dull and unwelcoming. We wanted to bring color and life to our surroundings, so that we would look forward to coming to school. And we wanted to look at art that we could relate to and that reflected our culture.

Will-Kasso-grafffiti-August-Martin-High-School

Whose concept was this?

August Martin’s Future Project Dream Team surveyed 500 students to find out what change they most wanted in our school. The students’ consensus was that they wanted to change the appearance of the school’s interior.

cey-adams-graffiti-august-martin-high-school

Once you knew what you wanted to do, what were some of the challenges you faced? 

We had to come up with a proposal and a budget. That took us at least a month. Then we had to identify artists who could work with us. That was our biggest challenge until we were introduced to Meres and Marie of 5Pointz.

Zeso-graffiti

How have things been working out since you met them?

Once we met up with Meres and Marie, everything went smoothly. Meres is an amazing artist and knows so many other amazing artists. And I just can’t say enough about Marie! She is so conscientious and caring.

Miss-Zukie-character-art-august-martin-high-school

Most of the students haven’t yet seen the murals. But what kind of response have you gotten from those who have seem them?

They love them. They can’t wait to pose for photos in front of them!

Steve-Lew-art-Gillian-Smith

Part-One-graffiti-august-martin-high-school

And how have the teachers responded to this project? 

Their response has been positive. They know that if the students are happy and motivated, their jobs are easier.

meres-graffiti-art-august-martin-high-school

Reme-graffiti-art-August-martin-high-school

And what about your principal, Ms. Smith?

She’s been 100% behind it. She’s worked hard to make sure that it happens and she has been here with us all weekend.

Remiks-graffiti-See-tf-Portrait-August-Martin-High-School

Why do you suppose there are so many underachievers among the students here?

Many of the students here lack the support systems they need, and they feel easily discouraged.  So many are talented and really love discovering new things.

Cycle-close-up-graffiti-art-August-Martin-High-School

I don’t doubt it!  What are your thoughts about this project and its possible impact?

I love it! It makes me so happy! And I think it will have a great impact on the other students.

sembakkus-graffiti-art-august-martin-high-school

Why is the project called Operation Skittles? I’ve been wondering about that!

Actually, there are two reasons!  Skittles are colorful and this project brings color to our school. And Skittles are the favorite snack of  Syreeta Gates, the Future Project Dream director here at August Martin.

BK-Foxx-art-mural-august-martin-high-school_edited-1

Now that makes sense! How lucky you students at August Martin are to have realized Operation Skittles!

Note: Keep posted to the Street Art NYC Facebook page for more images and for news about an event at August Martin open to the public in early June.

Photos and interview by Lois Stavsky

1. T-Kid 170

2. Will Kasso

3. Cey Adams

4. Zeso and Awez

5, Miss Zukie

6. Kid Lew with August Martin principal Gillian Smith standing to his left

7. Part One

8. Meres One

9. Reme 821

10. Remiks and See TF

11. Cycle

12. Sjembakkus — in from Amsterdam

13. BK Foxx

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A range of curious characters have found a home on the streets of NYC. Here are a few in the first of our series featuring some of our favorite ones:

Zio Ziegler in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Xio Ziegler

Sheryo in the East Village

Sheryo

JC at Welling Court in Astoria, Queens

JC

Lamour Supreme in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Lamour Supreme

Reme821 in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Reme821

Sinned at Welling Court in Astoria, Queens

Sinned

QRST at the Bushwick Collective

qrst-in-bushwick-collective

Mr. Penfold at the Bushwick Collective

Mr. Penfold

Photos by Dani Mozeson, Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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This is the second in an occasional series featuring images of New York City’s doors that sport everything from tags and stickers to sophisticated images.

Long Island-based Reme821 in Brooklyn

Reme

Baltimore-based Gaia resurfaces in Queens with early wheat paste

Gaia

Brooklyn-based Abel Macias in Bushwick

Abel Macias

NYC-based SinXero on Bronx door

SinXero

Italian artist Federico Massa aka Cruz in Brooklyn

Cruz

Argentinian artist Sonni at the Bushwick Collective

Sonni

OCMC goes big in TriBeCa

OCMC

Brooklyn-based Judith Supine in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Judith Supine

Photos by Tara Murray & Lois Stavsky

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