Classical Magnet School senior, Jose Sostre was on a field trip to Real Art Ways (RAW) and drew graffiti on the wall of their bathroom. While they were impressed with his art skills. they called the school to report the graffiti and asked that he return to RAW to clean it up.
Jose returned to RAW, apologized and cleaned the wall. While there, he formed a connection with the staff and they expressed an interest in his artwork. They provided him with art supplies and encouragement to continue his work.
An homage to Banksy, perhaps
Jose's Capstone project is about the impact of graffiti on modern art and how graffiti is used to express emotion, ideas, and politics. He has created a gallery of his artwork at Classical Magnet School and presented his project in May. Staff from RAW attended his Capstone presentation to see his work and show support. They have also helped by providing him with art supplies.
"Real Art Ways is a community of artists. For 50 years we have supported contemporary artists 
and their work and facilitated the creation of new work. Our goal has always been to creatively engage, build, and inform audiences and communities. Most of our staff are practicing artists and as a group we support and attend each other’s exhibitions and events. When we encountered Jose Sostre, we recognized something of ourselves in him, " Miller Opie of Real Art Ways reflects, "I hope that we joined his teachers and others- like his teacher Jeff Hoberman- who recognized his talents and encouraged him to keep at it. Jose’s Capstone project showed his dedication, talent and artistic skills. We are thrilled at Jose’s artistic progress and so glad he will continue to pursue his practice in college. We are happy and proud to have Jose join the Real Art Ways community of artists."