Alignment’s first Visual Arts interns paint original mural for Golden Corridor YMCA
On August 4th, the Golden Corridor YMCA hosted a grand reveal of an original mural painted by Alignment’s first visual art interns. The YMCA and Elgin community came together to celebrate this new art installation by adding their colorful handprints around a custom design created by Larkin High School Academy senior Malcolm Wilson. Alongside him in bringing the piece to life was Larkin High School Academy senior Avrie Lilly and Bartlett High School junior Gia Mangriotis, the three of them creating the blueprint for future creative projects that demonstrate the artistic talents of our students.
In addition to creating the original mural, interns also gained valuable hands-on experience in executing client work, building their personal artist brand, and developing professional skills as a freelance artist. Guiding them in navigating the ins and outs of freelance art was Sugey Mondragon of Side Street Studios, recent Columbia College Chicago grad and U-46 alum. By the end of their internship, the interns presented their personal art portfolios through individually crafted websites and unique business card designs, all contributing to their burgeoning art careers. This internship encapsulates the beginning of a vibrant investment in student artists.
Thank you to Golden Corridor YMCA and Sugey Mondragon of Side Street Studios.
Read more about the Mural Reveal, a front-page story by Rick West, published by the Daily Herald.
Article by Annabelle Mique
Alignment Collaborative for Education Staff
ACE is a member of the Alignment USA communities of collaboration and collective impact.
