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BLM Protest Signs Mural

blm

This project was inspired by everyone out there fighting for the BLM movement. I started attending protests and was in awe by the powerful messages written on all of the signs in the crowd. Most of these signs were used in actual recent peaceful protests and marches in the San Diego area. The rest were made by community members who wanted to lend a helping hand. With the current Covid-19 pandemic, not everyone is able to go out and lend their voice in a crowded protest. Not everyone is able to see the messages first hand or find resources to help the movement. I wanted to do this project to reach out to my local community and hopefully inspire people to do their own research and educate themselves on the racial injustice that is very alive in our country today. I wanted people to be able to see that what’s being chanted in the streets isn’t hatred, it isn’t disrespect, it isn’t violent. It’s peaceful, it’s powerful, it’s beautiful, and it’s not going anywhere. I stand with the BLM movement. I continue to learn how to be a better ally to the black community and I hope this inspires others to do the same.

- Christian Leon

CSUSM Arts Ambassador's Quarantine Masterpieces

Featured Art

We are very proud to share and celebrate the featured art of the challenge winners who are participating through the CSUSM Arts Ambassador's Quarantine Masterpieces Facebook Page! Stay tuned for future featured art!

Getty Museum Challenge Winner

Participant: Sarah BushSarah’s artwork is recreating the “Young Woman With Cat” by Amy Hill (2018)

Words Matter Challenge Winner

Participant: Anneliese Esparza Anneliese submitted an original art piece by her sister Julianna Esparza, featuring the quote "Not all those who wander are lost" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Chalk Art Challenge Winner

Participant: Cassie Wanda Mich Cassie submitted various chalk art work featuring her daughter!

Create at Home Challenge Gallery

Video submission from Participant: Sarah Tyler, a recreation of "Hang On, Snoopy" (Quarantine Version)

Participant: Colby Olivia Colby Olivia submitted a painting created by her 8 year old daughter!

Participant: Marilyn Huerta

Marilyn Huerta submitted various original paintings!

Nature Challenge Winner

cacti

Cactus Sculpture

Participant: Cynthia Reyes and her daughter Laila

These cactus sculptures were made as end of the year gifts for Lila's teachers and they were kind enough to include the recipe for those who want to recreate these beautiful sculptures!

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup water

Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Then shape into figures. Bake for about an hour and a half to two hours, depending on size and thickness of the figures, at 250 degrees F, until they are dry all the way through. Let cool and then paint with acrylic paint. Once dry, spray with a clear gloss coat.

UNDER THE SEA CHALLENGE WINNERS

seven

Eden, Age 7

elleven

Liberty, Age 11

Featured Videos!

WE. DANCE . by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Ask Yourself by Authentic Voices With Lauryn Whitney

You Will Be Found by Mt. Carmel High School Choir's Class of 2020

Jake Northington, Photographer

Jake Northington Major-Visual & Performing Arts: Arts & Technology, Minor-Ethnic Studies, Minor-Women's Studies, CSUSM graduate (alumni)

I am a person that has recognized the many issues in today's society that have never been addressed, much like many have, but I choose to use my art as a corrective measure in various ways. We all can help in fixing society's oppression against certain people and I am just one person doing my part. The major issue that is always at the forefront is racism and specifically towards Black people. I will always go at this issue head on and not run from. We cannot correct this problem by deflecting and dismissing its importance as it relates to how it directly and daily affects millions of people physical and mental health.I took a photography class here at CSUSM in the fall of 2016 taught by professor Dibenedetto. She assigned a final project to create a photobook on any topic we wanted. Many students used it to speak about their family or pets or hobbies. I took the opportunity to discuss a very serious topic which spoke to the 2016 11th circuit court ruling that employers could in fact discriminate against natural hair styles of Black people due to the courts standing that hair is immutable but hair styles are not. This ruling negatively affects Black people in all areas of society when simply being human and wearing their natural hair. I chose my photography project as a way to promote Black people living, loving, and operating in all areas of the CSUSM campus with their natural hair. The final project for my photography class started my journey of photobooks where I use each one of them to address and attempt to correct a social issue affecting Black people daily. I have created a book each year with a different emphasis and right now I'm currently working on my 4th book. Two of my photos from these books are currently on display at the student art juncture on the CSUSM campus in the art building. Below are some of my photos of students from 2016-2019

Mountain Shadows Foundation and Art Miles Mural Project,

The Mountain Shadows: Painting Our World Radiantly (M:POWR) Mural Project is a partnership between CSUSM, Established in 2012

The Mountain Shadows: Painting Our World Radiantly (M:POWR) Mural Project is a partnership between CSUSM, the Mountain Shadows foundation and the Art Miles Mural Project. Since 2012, CSUSM students and developmentally disabled adults from Mountain Shadows have painted beautiful and powerful murals that Art Miles co founder and director Dr. Joanne Tawfilis then distributes around the world to communities dealing with natural and human disasters, from hurricanes to school shootings. For many students, this is their first time interacting with developmentally disabled adults. Despite any initial trepidation, they find great joy in interacting with the Mountain Shadows clients, who in turn enthusiastically look forward to painting with the students weekly. The M:POWR Mural Project sessions occur every Tuesday from 12 to 12:50 p.m. at the USU First Floor Patio and select Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at Mountain Shadows Community Homes in Escondido. This project is open to all students regardless of artistic ability, and every session also features a powerful drum circle with instructor Aki Burkes. Help us promote world peace and the great power of artistic expression by contributing to these incredible murals and making new friends. We hope to see you there!