Autumn de Forest helps turn around the community
Autumn holds an assembly at Savoy Elementary school in Washington D.C. (Photo courtesy of Doug de Forest)
Autumn de Forest loves to inspire.
Barton Elementary, a school in San Bernardino, California, was fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of Autumn’s latest efforts to motivate others. In coalition with Turnaround Arts, Autumn was able to teach an art class in February at Barton.
Turnaround Arts is a program led by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH), which is dedicated to bringing art programs back into priority schools (the lowest-performing 5 percent of schools in the country).
She taught the students techniques on how to paint self-portraits. The children’s art, according to an article on T Brand Studio of the New York Times, was “something truly special” and reminiscent of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s works of neo-expressionism. It’s a style that can appear messy, but is actually quite calculated.
Painted on canvases provided by Park West Gallery, the students created their own neo-expressionistic portraits. The kids were clearly stimulated by Autumn’s teachings.
“I just loved it,” said Roberto, 10, of Barton Elementary, in the article. “Miss de Forest inspired me.”
Students at Barton Elementary show off their student portraits. (Photo courtesy of T Brand Studio)
This is not the first time that Autumn has channeled her inner motivator with Turnaround Arts. Last September, she traveled to Savoy Elementary School in Washington D.C. to teach pre-K and fifth-grade students her special “pull painting” technique.
Following the painting session at Savoy Elementary, Autumn proceeded to give an all-school assembly about her message, passion, the ability to make a difference and the importance of hard work.
Autumn appreciates efforts like this to help out the youth because she realizes how art has helped her throughout her life.
“Expressing myself and not being afraid to say ‘I made this’ has been such a powerful force in my life. It has been the seed that has allowed me to travel the world and meet so many incredible people,” says Autumn. “I am honored to work with the Turnaround Arts program. This program helps schools that really need the arts, music, dance and theatre. They were fantastic hosts, and I love what they do!”
Autumn and Park West CEO Albert Scaglione at the Butler Institute of American Art exhibition. (Photo courtesy of Carole Sorell)
As if Autumn and her efforts to help the art community are not inspiring enough, Autumn is helping bring art to everyone through a special museum exhibit at the Butler Institute of American Art. Don’t worry if you haven’t had a chance to see it yet – the exhibition has been extended through September 18, 2016 due to popular demand. The exhibit, which opened on April 10 and showcases various works of art displaying her signature pull painting style, was originally scheduled to run through June 26.
Park West Gallery is proud to represent Autumn de Forest. Be sure to view our collection of Autumn de Forest artwork.
