What is your Name?
My name is BethAnne Crawford
What is your Organization's Name?
The Bridge of Pittsburgh
What is your title/position?
Industry Liaison
How was your organization involved with MLK Mural?
The Bridge of Pittsburgh has collaborated with MLK for several years. We have provide Youth workers for the MLK Project. This past summer we provided 12 youth workers for the Oakland Project.
What project or projects were you involved with? (locations)
We recently participated in both Semple Street Projects in Oakland. We have previously participated in the MLK Jr. Bus Way Project and the projects in The Strip District.
What did working with MLK Mural teach you?
Working with MLK is always a rewarding experience. Watching the growth and development of the youth workers was amazing. Knowing we have and continue to make a difference in the lives of the youth is always a teachable experience.
What impact do you think MLK Mural had on the individuals you work with?
The youth who participated in the project had a since of pride and connectivity to the community. Some of our participants were very reserved and shy, however by the conclusion of the program they were taking an active role in the team work and communicating with staff and peers. The youth evolved into vocal confident youth employees.
What was the best part of working with MLK Mural?
The staff at MLK makes it a note worthy experience. I believe one of the many benefits is having the youth witness the evolution of the project. Knowing this is something that they completed. They can show their family and friends the beautiful mural.
Who did you work with?
Gene Ojeda and Olga Brindar were the lead Artist that we worked with on this project. They were great with our youth they went above and beyond to make the comfortable, but yet accountable for their work.
Any other thoughts about MLK Mural?
This is a great organization and we look forward to future projects.
BethAnne Crawford!
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This past week MLK was excited to hire three new interns from the Arts Institute of Pittsburgh. All three are taking on different aspects of the MLK organization.
Sammi, a fashion design student helping to develop a different aspect to the MLK curriculums, as well as helping to develop MLK Fashion projects. Maria, a graphic design major is assisting MLK's graphic design team. Aziza, a fashion retail management major is working with all of MLK's social media from Facebook, Twitter, and the MLK Mural Blog.
We are excited to get things started with our new additions!
When did you begin working with MLK Mural?
In the spring of 2008
What was your role with MLK Mural?
I started off as muralist and then became a teacher / site manager. I eventually became the program's Art Director.
What project or projects did you work on? (locations)
Veterans Leadership Building Mural on 24th / Carson St. in the South Side
G20 Banner Mural Downtown on Fourth Ave.
Dance Alloy Studios / August Wilson Center Dance Mural Series in East Liberty / Downtown
Mellon Arena Penguins Mural in the Hill District
Penn Macaroni Company Mural on Penn Ave. in the Strip District
Del’s Restaurant Mural on Liberty Ave. in Bloomfield
Glass Center Glass Mural on Penn Ave. in Garfield
Children’s Hospital Sculptural Mural in Lawrenceville
Shuman Juvenile Detention Center Mural on Highland Drive
Citiparks Paulson Recreation Center on Paulson Ave in Lincoln Lemington
Kingsley Community Center Mural on Paulson Ave. in Larimer
Green Team Murals on Larimer Ave. in Larimer
Persephone Green Mural on Omega Place in Larimer
Alan’s Pet Store Mural on Murray Ave. in Squirrel Hill
Westinghouse Football Field Mural at Homewood Citipark
Lincoln Elementary School Playground Mural in Wilkinsburg
JJS Market Mural on Swissvale Ave. in Wilkinsburg
Eazor’s Auto Salon Mural on Long Rd. in Penn Hills
Clock Tower Park Mural on Brownsville Rd. in Mount Oliver
Ormsby Park Mural on Ormsby Ave. in Mount Oliver
Corliss Tunnel Mural on Corliss Ave. in McKees Rocks
The Coalition For Fair Housing Mural on McCollough Ave. in the North Side
Ross Park Mall Mural in Ross Township
The Starlite Lounge Mural on Freeport Rd. in Blawnox
Asteroid Way Mural on Industry St. / Asteroid Way in Allentown
I also did face painting, caricatures, chalk art, signs and special events at Allegheny County Parks and Pools including: Boyce Park, South Park, North Park, Settler’s Cabin. I did face painting for Steelers / Penguins Pep Rallies at Allegheny County Courthouse Courtyard Downtown. I made signs for Hartwood Acres Light Up Night and made signs for Oakwood Country Club U.S. Open Tournament
What did working with MLK teach you?
It taught me how to get comfortable working in a variety of locations, working conditions and with artists / workers of different ages, skill levels and capabilities. Most importantly though, it taught me how to overcome opposition, circumstantial obstacles and societal setbacks while working in the field of public art - using imagination, organization, elbow grease, will power and determination to achieve the desired results. Basically "how to make it happen" in difficult situations.
What did you get out of the program?
I think it inspires creativity and excites artists to be involved in public art. Gainful employment as an artist, designer and muralist. Also it's nice to get some publicity and recognition as a local artist.
Who did you work with?
Stephan McGuiness, Doug Brunner, Tem Adoki, Danny Devine, Vanessa German, Kristoffer Smith, Joy Taylor, DeVon Gandy, Chris Rubisch, Shelly Steffy, Werm, Beasley, B Smith, Dean, Kyle, Eddie, Nico Atkins, Jen Dalke, Nicole Hinkle, Jason Schutzman, the list goes on and on for days...
Saturday November 9th 2013, 4:30PM – 7:30PM, Moving the Lives of Kids Art Center (MLK Mural) is pleased to present the “Art of Life” as part of Pittsburgh Filmmaker’s Three Rivers Film Festival. The film will be shown at the Melwood Theater located at 477 Melwood Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15213.
The feature length film is the directorial debut of famed mural artist, and Executive Director of MLK Mural, Kyle Holbrook. The film screening will be followed by a panel discussion with the makers of the film.
Many young men and women living in hoods across America suffer the absence of a path or a toolkit for survival. Sometimes that toolkit is there, but they just need a guide or an angel to show them to it. In the “Art of Life” the two lead characters Chay and Cheyanne, are looking for a way out of the suffocating pain and misery of their surroundings, but they need a plan. As both develop their artistic skills, their future prospects grow brighter, even if their present environment maintains darkness. Well they be able to escape to the light? In this story, which blends the magic of cinema, animation, sketches, paintings and music, we learn that art is all around us, and realizing this could help make survival more vividly apparent to those trapped in the dark.
Artist Kyle Holbrook directed and costarred in the film playing a magical and mythical character named “Art.” His character blurs the line of reality and is the manifestation of their inspiration, and a guide to their redemption for both lead characters.
Also costarring in the film is Pittsburgh artist Vanessa German, who plays a several roles in the film serving as a muse and inspiration for the characters.
“Art of Life” features original music by Pittsburgh native Mac Miller. The Pittsburgh musician only held one job in his life prior to becoming the famed musician and reality show star that he is today, working with MLK Mural. He helped write original music for the film, and worked behind the camera filming sections of the film.
This unique organic and artistic film features scenes shot inside the Allegheny County Jail, in the middle of the marches during the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh, and on site during the production of several MLK Mural Projects around Pittsburgh. “Art of Life” also features several original pieces by MLK Mural artists woven into scenes as animation.
Audiences will be blown away by this artfully crafted film, which features great artistic and acting talent from Pittsburgh. The film’s unique and organic process of writing and directing will be discussed during a panel discussion following the film. Art world, immerse yourself within it. www.artoflifethemovie.com
WHAT: Debut of “Art of Life” film, followed by panel discussion makers of the film
WHERE: Three Rivers Film Festival
477 Melwood Ave
Pittsburgh PA 15213
WHEN: SATURDAY, November 9TH 4:30pm – 7:30pm
First up to bat is Micci Hutterer!
What is your name?
Micci Hutterer
When did you begin working with MLK Mural?
At first I encouraged many of my High School students to participate with the murals on the Bus way and in Wilkinsburg. I would recommend at least 10 of my portfolio students every summer. In 2011 I painted/taught a mural in East Hills with a group of young women. I did this under the request of Joy Taylor. It was awesome to work with those girls I wanted to stay involved on that level of involvement with MLK.
What was your role with MLK Mural? Were you painting murals? Teaching?
This past summer I did a little of both painting and teaching. Mainly teaching.
What project or projects did you work on? (locations)
I was the artist/teacher and site manager of the 29th & Penn Avenue project and our group also helped complete the Regatta canvas.
What did working at MLK teach you?
That we are never too old to learn things from each other and we should never set limitations upon ourselves.
What impact do you think MLK Mural had on the individuals you worked with?
It is my hope that being involved with the program taught them at the very least an appreciation for art and the visual narrative that a mural truly is…and I know that they really learn so much more by their involvement, how to go to work cooperate with others to make things happen, how to be positive and filter that energy into everything you do and I could go on and on…
Who did you work with? (any memorable youth)
I worked with Eddie Rawson, Gene O., Kyle Holbrook and Berry Breene, some of the more memorable youth …well all of them but a few really do stand out, Jonathan, Charles and Jamea and Dan. We all became a little extended family on the site, without question!
Did MLK Mural help you get to where you are now? How? (Mentally, physically, spiritually?)
I am a 34yr. Experienced teacher with the Woodland Hills School District so in light of professionally, not really but mentally and spiritually, its wonderful to share with the kids and the staff, it’s fulfilling.
Any other thoughts about MLK Mural?
MLK Mural project has so much room to grow in bringing the arts to kids and communities, it’s wonderful.
Do you have a few favorite photos or video from your experience I could add to the piece?
A photo of the artist!
We had the wonderful opportunity of working with OPDC as well as property owners who allowed us to create three new murals on Semple Street. Check out the photos below as well as in our 2013 gallery folder!
Dont forget to come out and help support us as we unveil a new mural. Saturday October 5 12:30-2:00pm on 236 Semple St in Oakland Pittsburgh, PA. Hope to see you there!
Unveiling September 18th 4:30pm-6:00pm. Be there or be square!
Check out this interview with Bill Flanagan, Michael Dongilli, and Kyle Holbrook for the Three Rivers Regatta this past July.