I will be participating with an art donation to the Young New Yorkers program based out of Brooklyn, NYC.

In New York State, 16- and 17-year-olds are prosecuted as adults, exposing them to life-long criminal records and lengthy periods of incarceration in adult prison facilities. Rather than act as a deterrent to youth crime, this manner of prosecuting adolescents has been shown to inflate the chances of recidivism and give impetus to more serious crimes.

Young New Yorkers is a restorative justice, arts program for 16- and 17-year-olds who have open criminal cases. The criminal court gives eligible defendants the option to participate in Young New Yorkers rather than do jail time, community service and have a lifelong criminal record. The curriculum is uniquely tailored to develop the emotional and behavioral skills of the young participants while facilitating responsible and creative self-expression. Central to the curriculum is the concept of taking responsibility for past actions as a necessary step before becoming valued members and even leaders of one’s community. Each workshop is framed by a relevant theme: community; choice; accountability; responsibility; contribution; leadership. These themes are explored, as they relate to each participant, in conversation with the group and through art exercises utilizing photography, video, illustration, and design.

There will be a silent art auction on Wednesday April 1 at the Joseph Gross Gallery in Chelsea to help continue the program. With amazing lineup of over 100 very amazingly talented artists whom have donated their work for the auction. Artists such as MYSELF, Shepard Fairey, Swoon, Gaia and many others.

COME JOIN ME!!

It’s going to a great cause, you get to see or purchase some beautiful art and meet some amazing people!

Click the link to also bid on the art on PADDLE 8!

YNY Silent Art Auction
Wednesday April 1, 2015
6pm - 10pm
Joseph Gross Gallery Chelsea (ArtNowNY)
548 W. 28th St. SUITE 243
NY NY 10001