The Cheyenne River Youth Project is proud to announce that they will soon open a new outdoor art park on its campus. To launch the new space, CRYP hosted the Art of Creative Lettering classes with renowned graffiti artist Peyton Russell. The classes the week of May 12th to the 16th from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The week concluded with an art show on Saturday, May 17th at the new park. The graffiti wall and outdoor art space which will be open to teens to create works of their own. Art supplies for the classes will be provided by CRYP.
“We think the community could benefit from setting up a space for kids to express themselves with art,” says Julie Garreau, executive director of CRYP. “Every community needs an open space to for the kids to reflect who they are and the world around them. We hope that these classes will give them the confidence and inspiration to explore their artistic freedom.”
“Graffiti is an art form, just like any other,” says Tammy Eagle Hunter, who is youth programs director for CRYP and also an artist herself. “It can be a really positive outlet for kids to be able to get outside and paint, make mistakes and try new things and learn that art is art – it doesn’t have to be in a frame to call it art.”
“[This class] is focused on the advancement and development of Graffiti Art and its esthetic value as an educational program,” Peyton wrote on his website. “This program seeks out support by building partnerships with artists, teachers, business owners, city officials, arts organizations, community leaders, parents, and students to address and discuss culture, opportunity, possibility and the process of graffiti writing for teaching its artistic principles.”
For more information about Peyton Russell and his work, please visit http://houseofdaskarone.com/.
Founded in 1988, the Cheyenne River Youth Project is dedicated to providing the youth of the Cheyenne River reservation with access to a vibrant and secure future through a variety of culturally sensitive and enduring programs, projects and facilities, ensuring strong, self-sufficientfamilies and communities. Today, CRYP provides a wide variety of programs and services to the community, covering nearly 3 million acres in South Dakota. To learn more about CRYP, visit www.lakotayouth.org.