Project BrookLYNK is an artistic community-building organization that creates unique local programming by connecting international artists with NYC public schools. Artists ranging from ex-professors to graffiti artists set up residency in the schools and work with the students to create murals, teach workshops, and develop special curriculum to engage the students with the arts.
The organization was created by Thomas Gleisner (artist and teacher) and Shawn Brown (Principal of EBC High School for Public Service) in order to utilize the rich artistic landscape of their Bushwick (Brooklyn) community and the EBC’s commitment to public service. Along with support from Virginia Commonwealth University and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, the organization has created a network of over 40 artists and several elementary and middle schools throughout the New York metro area.
“In art there is no right or wrong. Students are encouraged to make mistakes and take artistic risks […] This can give students a new found pride in themselves and their artistic capaBILITIES,” says Brown of the inspiration behind BrookLYNK.
The artists volunteer their time, talents, art knowledge (and ultimately their art), to not only beautify the schools to host community events, but also develop much needed art curriculum in the schools. The students learn to analyze, interpret, and critique art, develop public speaking skills, and intern with the artists – all within a comfortable school setting.
BrookLYNK is currently assembling teams of professional artists with students to donate murals to schools across NYC beginning this fall, so click here to learn more information or get involved.
