Challenges to Philanthropy

Public Art

Public art serves as a way to connect communities and break down inequity barriers. This form of art is most important because it is for everyone to see. Regardless of socioeconomic background, gender, or skin color, public art is their for the sole purpose of providing joy and provoking thought in the viewer. However, public art can also serve as cautionary tales; a reminder to the public of past injustices. 


Graffiti HeArt

"Arts. Walls. Education. Serving our mission everywhere."

Created in 2013 by Stamy Paul, Graffiti HeArt took the public art scene in Cleveland, Ohio by storm. Graffiti HeArt is a nonprofit, comprised solely of volunteers, that provides opportunities for young graffiti artists to cultivate their skillsets through commissioned projects, educational workshops, and scholarship opportunities. Since it's creation in 2013, Graffiti HeArt has provided over $80,000 in scholarship funds to young artists and has partnered with some of the most famous graffiti artists in the world. Stamy Paul, creator and president of Graffiti HeArt graciously accepted to be interviewed by Grant Carr, a first year undergraduate student at Case Western Reserve University. They discussed why public art is so important to the community, the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic to Graffiti HeArt, and the role of public art in the fight for equality.

What is graffiti art? 

In an interview for "Cleveland.com", Stamy describes graffiti as  "...an anonymous, unapproved, sometimes illegal form of expression through a name or a message. But it also means using that same art form in a way that's approved, where artists can express themselves and be paid. This art can either be aerosol or bucket paint.". Through her career in human resources, Stamy was given the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world. It was through these trips that she noticed the underground culture of graffiti art is used to "capture ones identity in a very, kind of, anonymous way". 
 
 

What is the mission of Graffiti HeArt?

 

Underground Railroad mural by Aleah, Davon Brantley, and Christa Childs in partnership with Graffiti HeArt

This mural was celebrated on September 12,2020. It is a reminder of the history of Bedford, Ohio as a stop along the Underground Railroad. The particular story depicted in this mural is lesser known. It is the story of Julius Caesar Tibbs, a man who fled slavery with his family through the Underground Railroad until he reached Bedford, Ohio. It was in Bedford that Mr. Tibbs and his family were discovered hiding in a tree by the Burns family, who helped them start a new life. The Underground Railroad mural also stresses how important public art is in creating conversation and reminders of past injustices.

How was Graffiti HeArt affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic? 

Scholarship Opportunities 

Since 2015, Graffiti HeArt has provided over $80,000 in scholarship funds for students to attend the Pre-College Program for the Cleveland Institute of Art. The Pre-College Program at the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) is a two, three, or four week residency program for high school students in which young artists earn college credit while they work to develop their portfolio and skillsets with some of the best instructors in the world. One of the most unfortunate affects of the pandemic was the cancellation of last summers Pre-College Program at CIA. Graffiti HeArt wants to ensure that lack of financial resources is not a reason a student should miss out on this opportunity. 
Financial Beau Stanton's mural with Graffiti HeArt
Graffiti HeArt has an annual operating budget of about $80,000 a year, primarily generating funds through projects, fundraisers, donors and grants. Without the ability to use their studio for fundraisers and educational workshops, Graffiti HeArt did lose some funds. However, they were able to reallocate money and create a remarkable piece with internationally renowned artist Beau Stanton. Further, Graffiti HeArt finished eight public murals this past summer!


Go visit a mural!

Welcome to Tremont

2630 W 14th St, Cleveland, OH 44113

 

 






Greetings From Cleveland 

2098 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113

 






Beau Stanton Mural 

4829 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103

 












The Underground Railroad Mural 

90 Willis St, Bedford, OH 44146

 














 



 

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