Talented International Leadership students exhibit vibrant art, with Latin music theme

by Tanyanika Samuels
Photos by Victor Chu

STUDENTS from the International Leadership Charter School got the chance of a lifetime last week - to display their artwork at the Bronx Museum of Art.

Titled "Expressions of Latino Music through Art," the exhibition featured paintings, drawings and sculptures of Latin music icons and themes.

It was the second year for the special exhibit, and its first time at the museum.

"The pieces are absolutely incredible," said Robert Cumming, the school's director curriculum and instruction, "It's great when student artists can have their work recognized by members of the community."

The colorful pieces featured such music greats as Jose Feliciano and Carlos Santana. Others depicted scenes of salsa dancing.

Displaying art in a museum was an added thrill for students.

"It gets you pumped up and excited to know that people are going to really notice your artwork," said Joshua Gomez, 19, who did a painting of Tito Rodriguez.

Mendy Carty, 17, did a portrait of Celia Cruz. She was especially excited about getting to display one of her little known talents.

"This is a really great opportunity," she said, "because not a lot of people know I'm an artist."

The art exhibit was part of a scholarship drive for the school's first class of seniors, set to graduate in June, said President Elaine Ruíz-Lopéz. The school, which was the first public charter high school founded in the borough, opened its doors in September 2006.

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• "Expressions of Latino Music through Art"
  This is the original invitation for this event along with biographies for the distinguished honorees Dr. Richard Izquierdo and music legend Johnny Colon.
  
  
• New York Daily News | "Artistry in Black"
  Here is an article written on the first annual student art exhibition.

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