Visual artist Darwin Erazo teaches art classes to fourth-grade students at P.S. 81 in Queens.
“Learning is based on the child’s activity; it is a boundless attitude. It’s about living in the moment, living each day, and focusing solely on seizing that inspiration that comes in the moment. That’s truly what an artist needs,” explains Erazo, a visual artist at Arte LatAm.
An approach to learning that 8-year-old Jancel Evangelista has taken very seriously.
“My dream is to be a great artist,” says this P.S. 81 student in Queens.
Once a week, Erazo teaches drawing techniques to the children, sketching geometric shapes and coloring their drawings with markers and colored pencils.
According to lead teacher Andrés Delgado, the class has had a significant impact.
“When I say it’s time for art, you should see their faces light up with joy and happiness. I think it’s a very important program because it gives them a chance to be creative and a space to express themselves. I believe this program has positively impacted the children’s education overall,” says the public school teacher.
Erazo is one of 14 artists working for Arte LatAm, a company that provides work opportunities for Latino visual artists living in the city.
“We need Latin American artists with so much creativity, experience, and professionalism to have a space where they can first sell their art, share their knowledge, and expand the cultural aspect, which is so important in this city,” says Sylvia Mata, president of Arte LatAm.
Erazo studied fine arts in his native Ecuador. He arrived in the city more than 20 years ago and had to study graphic design to take on other jobs.
“If I weren’t part of Arte LatAm, I would have to be looking for opportunities through my art,” he comments.
Arte LatAm has provided a supportive environment and a space to exhibit art pieces, as well as a place to collaborate with other artists, in an industry that is not easy.
“As a visual artist, living fully or entirely from art is difficult. Like in everything, but especially in art, one must first make a name for oneself and build the experience that comes with it, and then seek opportunities,” concludes Erazo.
Arte LatAm aims to expand its classes to other parts of New York State and New Jersey.
For more information, visit their website at ArteLatAm.org.
This article was published by NY1 Noticias: My dream is to be a great artist.
