Chatting with the Lights On poster contest winners

Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Unsplash

Sophia and Elizabeth are youth participants at RAD ART, a key component of the Houston Healthy Hip-Hop initiative in Houston, Texas. Led by Ms. Harper, the afterschool program director, RAD ART offers a unique blend of artistic exploration and personal expression for young participants. As a 21st Century Community Learning Center program, it focuses on developing essential skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and innovation through various art forms. Founded by Chris Cortez in 2009, Houston Healthy Hip-Hop has grown significantly, and the RAD ART program, launched in 2022, has quickly become a cornerstone for aspiring artists in the community.

Currently, the RAD Art program serves around 15-20 students per class, offering them a personalized and focused learning experience. Each session is thoughtfully planned to ensure a balance of structured instruction and open-ended creativity, fostering a love for art in each participant. The program’s growth is a testament to the importance of providing accessible and engaging art education to the youth in the community.

Ms. Harper, the After-School Coordinator for the HCDE CASE for Kids program at Crespo Elementary, has integrated Houston Healthy Hip-Hop into the afterschool program for three years. She plans to continue this partnership as long as possible.

“I believe in the transformative potential of afterschool programs. They provide a safe environment for all children, offer peace of mind for parents, and serve as a space for guidance and mentorship. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference in a student’s life,” said Ms. Harper.

RAD ART is an immersive educational program designed to guide students through the creation of their own art masterpieces. The class provides detailed instruction on fundamental art techniques, including blending, sketching, and painting.

The program offers a wide variety of projects throughout the year. Students build birdhouses, make piñatas for Cinco de Mayo, craft Christmas stockings, and create murals that reflect school pride. These activities not only develop essential artistic skills but also teach the process of completing a project from start to finish. By studying and replicating techniques used by famous artists, participants gain valuable insight into art history and develop a well-rounded understanding of different artistic styles. This blend of practical skill development and historical context nurtures the potential of young artists.

We interviewed Sophia and Elizabeth about their time at RAD ART.

What do you enjoy most about being part of your afterschool program?

Sophia: The thing I enjoy the most is that the program has so many activities and different types of art. For example, my friend and I have been writing and illustrating a book about life. The book relates to those who are new to somewhere or have felt betrayed. There is so much to do that we never get bored. It has become one of my favorite things from school.

Elizabeth: What I enjoy most about my afterschool program is the art and fun activities it provides and the positive energy and impact it brings me.

How did you come up with the idea for your poster design? How did you learn to do graphic design? How long have you been interested in art?

Sophia: I came up with the idea for my poster design because it makes me think of the different jobs and what you can become. I was determined to do my best and was very focused on the project. I learned to do graphic design with the help of Mr. Chris. I’ve been interested in art for about four years from what I remember, but my mom says I’ve been sketching since I was a baby.

Why do you think afterschool programs are important?

Sophia: I think afterschool programs are important because they help kids get involved in more activities and help them get more education.

Elizabeth: I believe they are important in many ways, but one way is that they keep kids entertained and help with their mental and physical health.