Yesterday, I went to City Hall to photograph a few Crispus Attucks Youthbuild Charter School students see their artwork on display there. They’d taken only two classes so far, and completed charcoal portraits of famous black Americans in history.
© 2011 by The York Dispatch. Crispus Attucks Youthbuild Charter School senior Isiah Jones, of York City, gazes at the charcoal portrait of York City mayor Kim Bracey that he drew, in City Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011. Jones and several other students participated in two classes hosted by the York Art Association to learn about portraiture and draw portraits of famous blacks in American history. Jones said he had never done art before but was pleased with his portrait of the mayor, which won second place in a York Daily Record poll.
One student — Isiah Jones — chose to depict York City’s own mayor Kim Bracey.
© 2011 by The York Dispatch. Crispus Attucks Youthbuild Charter School senior Isiah Jones' second-place charcoal portrait of York City mayor Kim Bracey is on display in City Hall, among other portraits of famous black Americans in history.
And watching him see his art again — and getting recognized for it — was incredible. I’ve encountered so many students, here and elsewhere, who have been blasé, indifferent or even flippant about their own artwork and talent. But Isiah, who said this was his first foray into art, was proud of what he’d accomplished — and yet humble, too.
© 2011 by The York Dispatch. Crispus Attucks Youthbuild Charter School senior Isiah Jones relishes the moment after hearing his portrait won second place in a York Daily Record poll, in City Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011.
That was really neat to see.
Words and Light 
Leave a Reply