Make a wish and it will come true

Timeline - 2000

WORLD MUSIC AND MASKS

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM

Funded by The Florence and Bernard B. Roth Family Foundation.

This project is partially in satisfaction of an arts development fee obligation from the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, with  support from  the Los Angeles County Probation Department and Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall School.

A unique team of five Los Angeles based visual artists and musicians worked together with youth from Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar, California, to make magical masks, construct instruments from found objects, create a musical performance and record a CD.

This program was integrated into the Barry J. Nidorf High School curriculum.  The boys and girls who participated were between the ages of 13 and 17.  Principal Fred Benson, Vice Principal Vincent Chugbo, music teacher Ms. Larson and art instructor Mr. Whiting assisted with each step, from initial planning to the harmonic culmination.

 

Concieved and Directed by lead artist Gayle Gale/Kids For Peace, who has had extensive experience in organizing and directing similar interdisciplinary workshops, produced the project. Other members of the inspiring team included artist Angela Briggs and musicians Bruce Burger (RebbeSoul), Alula Tzadik, and Enzo Fina.  Photographer Sumae DeLorenzo, whose pictures are on the CD, documented the entire process.

These hands-on sessions exposed students to the joys of self-expression most of them never knew existed.  The stimulating environment provided tools for the development of positive life skills, self esteem and discipline, along with encouragement for internal discovery and personal growth.

The World Music and Masks Artists in Residence Program presented an opportunity for transition by having the youths shine as lyricists, musicians, performers and artists. Under the extraordinary mentorship of professional artists, students were able to envision themselves as creative adults capable and proud of making positive contributions to society.

Special thanks to:

Curtis McClendon

Director, Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall Probation Department

Louis DuBois

Program Services, Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall Probation Department

Michelle Isenberg & Assoc.

Art Consultant