New Mosaic Art Exhibit Asks Us to Look Closer and Listen Harder to Find the Story Within Every Student

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Jan. 15, 2019— A new art exhibit hosted by Communities In Schools (CIS) at Touchstone Gallery in Washington, D.C., will ask audiences to look closer and listen harder to our nation’s students who are thriving in the face of significant challenges ranging from school violence to problems at home to hunger. Showcasing the work of renowned pop artist, Jason Mecier, the display will feature seven powerful mosaic portraits of students from across the country. Each piece is assembled with objects from the student’s life to represent who they are as individuals as well as the supports that helped them succeed.

The opening night event will launch a yearlong campaign, “What We Are Made Of,” that focuses on the powerful stories within every student. Through the art exhibit, the campaign will take a deeper look at seven students and showcase their individual journeys through school and highlight the communities of support that have played a role in their success. 

The Jan. 22 event will include a portrait reveal of each of the seven students portrayed in the artwork - who have traveled from across the country to Washington, D.C., to help launch the campaign. The event will also feature remarks from Communities In Schools President & CEO Dale Erquiaga, as well as from John Bridgeland – Civic Enterprises CEO and Commissioner of the Aspen Institute’s National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development.  RSVP here.

The portraits will be on display at the Touchstone Gallery from Jan. 21 to Jan. 31. Following the exhibit, they will spend the year traveling across the country to each student’s hometown and other select events to further raise awareness of their stories.

WHAT: Communities In Schools invites you to opening night of “What We Are Made Of,” featuring seven large mosaic student portraits by artist Jason Mecier.

****Photo ops available of portrait reveals for students****

WHO:  

• Dale Erquiaga, President & CEO of Communities In Schools
• John Bridgeland, Civic Enterprises CEO & Commissioner of the Aspen Institute’s National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development
• Angelo, featured student, Communities In Schools of Nation’s Capital
• Anais, featured student, Communities In Schools of Los Angeles
• Icetria, featured student, Communities In Schools of Houston
• Joseph featured student, Communities In Schools of Charleston
• My’Yelle, featured student, Communities In Schools of Atlanta
• Nasje, featured student, Communities In Schools of Chicago

WHEN: Jan. 22, 2019

5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Touchstone Gallery

  901 New York Ave NW

  Washington, D.C

CONTACT: Anya Harrington at [email protected]