Through the Eyes of a Child
Every school has a story to tell. Now, thanks to the work of a talented team of CAW Youth Apprentices (YAs) and Teaching Artists, PS 153, the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. School, is able to share their vibrant story with the entire West Harlem community.
As part of the Public Art Youth Employment program, 20 CAW YAs set out to design and paint a mural that reflects the school’s heart and soul, and reason for being — its students. Our YAs began their creative journey by immersing themselves in the community, embarking on neighborhood scavenger hunts, observing local landmarks, and interviewing key school stakeholders to understand what PS 153 means to the students, staff, and neighbors who call it home.
Equipped with these insights, they crafted a visual narrative in bright colors that tells the story of an educational journey. Themes include a true reflection of Harlem’s vibrant character: peace, kindness, and a welcoming spirit.
Principal Sophia Matos warmly shared that the mural serves as a “storytelling wall” and a lasting masterpiece, reminding everyone who walks through the doors that art has an ability to bring people together.
Sophia Matos, Principal at PS 153
“CAW’s Youth Apprentices showed us that art is not just something you hang in a gallery. It’s a powerful voice that brings people together, bridges generations, and turns a simple building into a living, breathing home”
Through the Eyes of a Child traces the trajectory of growth from young children to older students. The mural captures the essence of learning and belonging by portraying children playing and communicating in diverse ways—including sign language, a robot representing STEM learning, and includes local icons such as the “Icee Lady”, delis, and the familiar bodega cat. There are six cats hiding in the mural. Can you find them all?
Behind the Scenes
Unveiling
The project culminated in a celebratory unveiling event, where Youth Apprentices presented their hard work to the school community, accompanied by a behind the scenes documentary detailing their journey.
Read more about the young artists who created the new mural for PS 153
Watch the short documentary
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 40-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 social-emotional skills while creating profound connections between our young constituents, their art and their communities
CAW Teaching Staff
Abby Walsh
Teaching Artist
Golnaz Esmaili
Teaching Artist
Documentary Staff
Maham Khwaja
Teaching Artist
Jonathan Hyman
Teaching Artist Assistant
CAW Staff
Karen Jolicoeur
Executive Director
Ian Newton
Director of Finance & Administration
Clair Vogel
Development Manager
Scott Lucas
Manager of Marketing & Communications
Donna Manganello
Program Manager
Kevin Claiborne
Program Manager
Riki Sabel
Program Manager of Teaching & Learning
Emilio Vides-Curnen
Operations Coordinator
Madeline De León
Program Coordinator
Paola Gonzalez
Development & Communications Coordinator
EJ Meehan
Finance & Administration Coordinator
Our Thanks
Our Thanks
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. The program also receives support from the AEO Better World Foundation, the Find Your Light Foundation, the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation, the Milton & Sally Avery Arts Foundation, the Pinkerton Foundation, and the William Talbot Hillman Foundation. Creative Art Works’ programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The Sherman Creek photo essay program was made possible by a generous grant from Charities Aid Foundation Canada.
Additional funding was provided by: The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development and by numerous corporate and individual sponsors and donors.
Our partner for this program include Children’s Arts & Science Workshops
