Mural, Mural on the Wall, Who’s the Best Street Artist of Them All?
Arts funding is being cut nationwide. Self-expression is being muzzled throughout a failing education system that prioritizes math and science, classes deemed core curriculum. The importance of art integration is being overlooked. The arts help students develop creative problem-solving skills. The visual arts foster an easier way to understand difficult concepts. Art teaches students fine motor skills, language skills, and social skills. It boosts critical thinking and provides an opportunity for students to overcome challenges. And maybe most significant, art has a way of reaching disengaged students. Research indicates that regular participation in art is correlated with higher test scores, graduation rates, and recognition for academic achievements.
My name is Evan Farrell and I refuse to sit back and watch creativity die before it even begins. I grew up in the inner city of Indianapolis. I was in and out of public and private schools throughout my youth, which provided me with unique insight into the education systems’ view on art and creative expression. While in school, I attended art classes, despite the warning that it was not an appropriate career path. I’m glad I didn’t take this advice.
I founded the brand KidWiseman, where I create large scale productions with an underlying emphasis on street art. I work with global brands to create experiences through the visual arts. I involve students on every level of a production so that they can learn from real professionals in the industry. The students are engaged in what we do. I treat students as part of my team. We don’t sit in the classroom, we get out in the community and create.
Since 2015, KidWiseman has completed 45 large scale productions, produced over 50 pieces of video content, and worked with over 7,000 students across 15 school districts. At KidWiseman, we just completed a 150-foot wall in Manhattan Beach, a 50×20 foot wall in National City, and in 2020 we will be working with the LAPD, Netflix, and others to develop more multimedia street art.
Using multi-media street art, I spread hope and opportunity by empowering students to find their meaning, follow their creative passion, and to lead themselves to a successful creative career.
If you are interested in working on a KidWiseman project follow us on Instagram and send us a message. Together we will keep art alive.
Like Thomas Merton said, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
