With support from the California Arts Council, SledgeHammer Graffix will offer experiential art education, body movement, and life skills to system engaged youth. An artist will be employed to connect with youth, create a safe and caring relationship, and facilitate youth’s authentic creative expression to mitigate the impact of incarceration.
Our core program is called POPS, which is a Hip Hop influenced, kinesthetic learning, and therapeutic arts program rooted in social emotional learning and social
justice. Services offered by this program include:
1. Experiential art education including the following artistic mediums:
-hand lettering
-graphic design
-screen printing
-painting/mural
2. Body movement:
-A form called ALPHABETEX, which combines graffiti art, martial arts, and conscious breathing as a tool for
self-expression and conflict resolution
3. Life skills/social & emotional learning:
-Self-Management – Managing emotions and behaviors to achieve one’s goal
-Self-Awareness – Recognizing one’s emotions and values as well as one’s strengths and challenges
-Responsible Decision-Making – Making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior
-Relationship Skills – Forming positive relationships, working in teams, dealing effectively with conflicts
-Social Awareness – Showing understanding and empathy for others