Artists For Humanity Youth Create Art for South Shore Bank’s New Hingham Branch

Artists For Humanity Youth Create Art for South Shore Bank’s New Hingham Branch 

Teens gain real life experience and skills through leadership role in unique project

Artists For Humanity  – a Boston-based non-profit that employs more than 300 under-resourced youth in art and design - today announced that it has collaborated with South Shore Bank to design and install six custom art panels at the bank’s new Hingham branch. Artists For Humanity (AFH) apprentices Nacaira Greenaway, a 17-year-old from Dorchester, Sterling Joseph, a 16-year-old from Mattapan, and their design mentor Jonathan Vergara were the lead designers on the project.

“Nacaira, Sterling, and Jonathan took this initiative under their wings, assuming responsibility for the project start to finish and applying their passion, talent and creativity every step of the way,” said Claudia De Piante Vicin, design director, Artists For Humanity. “Their interaction with professionals on a real world project has enabled them to develop unique vision, gain confidence, earn respect and responsibility and grow as individuals and artists.”

South Shore Bank recently established a new branch in Hingham and sought to create a welcoming environment that accentuated the town’s rich nautical history and culture. The bank commissioned AFH, and asked the organization to create art panels to be installed throughout the bank. Greenaway and her colleagues quickly went to work, researching the region’s history and reflecting upon what they had found, and sketching by hand using high-end Copic markers.  The team created six art panels (ranging in size from 36x48 inches to 36x70 inches), featuring nautical themes such as sail boats, race boats, whales and a compass.

“Since I was a child I loved to draw, and I quickly found that drawing and art was the best way for me to express myself,” said Greenaway. “I really feel like I’ve finally found my voice during this project.”

“We are thrilled with the design and art produced by Artists For Humanity’s talented youth,” said John Boucher, president and CEO of South Shore Bank. “We wanted a fresh perspective that would showcase Hingham’s unique beauty and roots. The creativity and imagination infused into the artwork exceeded our expectations and I’m confident that it will play an important role in helping us to establish and differentiate our new branch in this community.”

Artists For Humanity was founded on the ambitious and unconventional idea that young people can provide creative services to the business community through their talent and vision. Transcending economic, racial and social divisions, the organization provides a bridge to connect under-resourced teens with the broader business world through paid employment in art and design.  The collaboration with South Shore Bank is just one of numerous projects currently underway at AFH.

About Artists for Humanity

Founded in 1991, Artists For Humanity’s mission is to bridge economic, racial and social divisions by providing under-resourced youth with the keys to self-sufficiency through paid employment in art and design. At the heart of Artists For Humanity is the belief that skills equal power and opportunity. AFH has four goals, which provide urban teens with:

• A safe meaningful place where they are respected for their contributions and develop mentoring relationships so important to teens;
• An opportunity to have a voice through exhibitions, commercial services, and public presentations;
• The respect and responsibility of paid employment that promotes self-esteem and financial accountability.  At AFH, young people learn entrepreneurship and get paid for their own creative production.
• Educational experiences and support that encourage academic achievement.