The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
ARTFUL EXTERIOR
Pieces of art decorate Harrison Cultural Centre
Art pieces from the James Pye Community Art Exhibit are now decorating the exterior of the Harrison Cultural Community Centre, 1922 Hamilton Ave. in Lorain.
An exhibit spearheaded by Jeff Pye, a behavior teacher at Southview Middle School in Lorain and facilitator of Harrison’s Start with Art after-school program, had help in creating the community-wide exhibit by local and non local artists highlighting inspiring African Americans.
Pye said it was his goal to
“We want people to notice the Cultural Centre and be enticed.”
— Jeff Pye, a behavior teacher at Southview Middle School in Lorain and facilitator of Harrison’s Start with Art after-school program
showcase art in the community and eventually share it with others on the building, which was the former Harrison School.
“We want people to notice the Cultural Centre and be enticed,” he said. “We want the community to be interested in the art while decorating and revitalizing it.”
Artwork also was done by youngsters in Pye’s Start with Art program, students and staff from Lorain City Schools and students in the school system’s PACE, or Positive Achievement Career Education program.
The exhibit first was showcased in late February 2018 at the Harrison Cultural Centre, then at Lorain County Community College, the Lorain Arts Council on Broadway and the Firefish Festival at Black River Landing.
One place after the other, organizations wanted to showcase the art, which he had a great response on from many in the community, Pye said.
The art finally made its final resting place in October, and now, over 20 pieces surround the outside of the building.
“People are riding by and stopping at the stop signs a little bit longer now,” Pye
The art finally made its final resting place in October, and now, over 20 pieces surround the outside of the building.
said excitedly.
Residents are stopping, taking photos and complimenting the building, he said.
Children who walk home from school are asking questions about the art work, who the photos are of and who performed the work, said Pye and Vonisha Isom-Massey, CEO of Harrison Centre.
“It turned out really well,” Pye said. “It turned out to be a great project.”
Now that the artwork is mostly placed around the building- some await Plexiglas - Pye said he is looking for more projects to complete showcasing African American and Hispanic/ Latino history in the near future.
Both communities should be recognized, he said.
Pye said he’s interested in looking for artists of different nationalities to exhibit their history and celebrate what makes Lorain the International City.
Bringing art to people through community-wide exhibits and art programs can help the Harrison Cultural Centre and city of Lorain grow, he said.
“We hope to get these forms of art in many places like schools so the kids can see them and it can be a learning experience for them,” Pye said. “It’ll draw an interest or make them want to do research and give them some self-identity, who they really are and where they come from.
“So, this is a start. Through art this is what we’re trying to do.”
Pye and Isom-Massey said decorating the building also can urge the community to look into what other positive youth activities, like art, the Harrison Cultural Centre offers.
There are a few constructive activities and programs that promote children’s freedom to express themselves in a positive way such as art, boxing, karate, constructive activities, Pye said.
Pye, Isom-Massey and E. Jean Wrice, chair of the Harrison Culture Centre’s board said these programs can help educate youngsters and encourage them to grow.