Anaheim, Calif., Feb. 3, 2011 – Historically, “graffiti” has been interpreted by the masses in a less than positive light. Some reference it as a dirty word or think of it as blight to urban streets. There is no arguing that unwanted graffiti is problematic, however in recent years, graffiti has become incredibly popular as an art form. In fact, graffiti artists are commissioned to bring their art to life on buildings and in art galleries. If you look closely, you can see graffiti art almost everywhere. From t-shirts and water bottles to lampshades, backpacks and computer skins, graffiti art has gone mainstream.
In response to this trend, Black Book Sessions, a nonprofit organization empowering and inspiring emerging artists, was born. “Talented artists exist everywhere,” said Eric “Mural” Martinez, Black Book Sessions founder and graffiti artist. “It is our mission to find young artists and empower them to put their talents to use, bettering themselves as well as the communities in which they live.”
Through a series of enrichment programs, Black Book Sessions introduces professional graffiti artists to students from elementary school through college. “We plan events that feature popular artists who share personal stories with an inspiring message about their experiences in the graffiti world and how graffiti artists today can do incredible things for their communities,” said Anthony Cruz, Black Book Sessions event director. “We want students to know that if they excel in this art form, they can make a true profession out of it and there is nothing like getting paid to do what you love.”
“This program was a huge undertaking and as the event host, we are proud supporters of the Black Book Sessions mission,” said Lou Osborne, campus president of Westwood College in Anaheim. “By introducing young people to professional artists who earn a living doing what they love, they are opening the eyes and minds of many future art professionals.”
To help promote this mission, Black Book Sessions recently hosted an event at Westwood College in Anaheim, Calif. More than 1,000 people attended the event and roughly 100 artists ages nine to 25, brought their work to the event for judging. Awards were provided to the top three artists in three age categories and the Director’s Choice award went to the overall winner. Art contest winners were as follows:
Director’s Choice Award
18- 25 Years of Age
- Ramon Gomez, age 21 - First Place
- Isabel Zapata, age 25 - Second Place
- Jennifer Webster, age 20 - Third Place
14-17 Years of Age
- Joseph Rivera, age 16 - First Plac
- Hayle Earnhart, age 17 - Second Place
- Darren Britt, age 17 - Third Place
9-13 Years of Age
- Amanat Singh, age 13 - First Place
- Nicole Kieva, age 13 - Second Place
- Xel-Ha Maneses, age 13 - Third Place
This ninth Black Book Sessions event included a series of presentations and art demonstrations by well-known graffiti, comic book and computer artists including O.G. Abel, Jeff Sotto and MAXX 242 among others. Throughout the day, attendees were able to interact with 18 artists who painted on canvases and a 6’8” x 30’ graffiti wall. The final artwork, painted on canvases, will be auctioned off at an upcoming silent auction event with proceeds to support future Black Book Sessions.
For more information about Black Book Sessions, or to see photos from the event, visit Black Book Session's Facebook page. For more information about Westwood College, visit www.westwood.edu.