Coloring Education and Enriching Lives

Bright colors floated in front of Martin Luther King High School on April 5, 2010. They were the balloons that Publicolor, the organization hosting the night’s fundraiser, had tied to the benches in the front yard of the school. Inside the building, paint cans in every shade lined the hallways and guided guests towards a memorable evening. This creative introduction piqued my curiosity.

Once inside, I noticed that this was no ordinary eat-and-mingle event. Instead, guests donned white paint suits and, with a drink in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, splashed color onto canvases, chairs, and all of the other pieces of art found at each work station. That’s right, here, at the 10th annual Stir, Splatter, + Roll fundraiser, guests covered up their business suits, cocktail dresses, and heels to reveal their inner artist. And, all for a good cause, no less!

Publicolor, a not-for-profit organization that helps at-risk students, teaches students to become more involved in their schools and communities. Through the use of color and an education in commercial painting, students acquire valuable skills, learn to collaborate, and become more engaged in their education. The program aims to be a positive influence by keeping kids off of the street and moving them onto a college-bound path. Thanks in part to Stir, Splatter, + Roll and the funds it raises, Publicolor carries on its mission to help send its students to college.

Once I got over my semi-paralyzing excitement at being transported back to junior high art class – my favorite class, although this was a much better, more professional level of art class, of course – I managed to walk around and take a peek at some of the designs. Each work station had its very own artist who crafted a design and aided guests in achieving their full inner artist potential. One such artist was Will Cotton. Will heard of Publicolor through his art dealer three years ago and has come back for each SS+R event since. He enjoys the opportunity to collaborate with others and supports the organization’s mission. Some of the other supporters in attendance that evening included, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Senator Chuck Schumer, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, and fashion designer Nicole Miller—a veritable who’s-who of New York’s biggest names and supporters.

Supporting Publicolor is an easy decision once you learn of the impact it has had on all of the students passing through its doors. Tim, a former student turned staff member, has been with Publicolor since the beginning. He began the pilot program at age 12 and now, more than a decade later, helps mentor the new generations of Publicolor students. Not surprisingly, Tim has formed a close bond with Publicolor. In fact, time showed him that although “faces come and go, the program stays the same – it’s like family.” Another student, Christina, explained how the staff members of Publicolor inspired her and offered advice when she needed it. “Even though you can’t pick the family you are born into,” she said, “you can choose to not walk in their path.” She credits Publicolor for teaching her this life lesson.

After painting, it was time to slip off the white paint suits and mosey over to the silent auction. There was everything from clothes and accessories, to spa packages, and so much more. Dinner soon followed, as did some words from the president and founder of Publicolor, Ruth Lande Shuman. Before thanking everyone for their support, she talked about the program and all of the good that it does, including fostering a 93% return rate for its college students in the fall, versus a 65% return rate nationwide. Publicolor can also proudly claim 8 college graduates, 2 students in graduate school and many more students going off to college next year.

After her speech, I had a chance to chat with Shuman, whose passion for Publicolor’s work shown through just as brightly in our one-on-one conversation as it did when she was speaking before the large crowd of supporters. She explained how the starting age for the program is 12 years old, not only because students are better able to paint professionally by then – an important detail as Publicolor takes its projects seriously and pays close attention to the quality of their work – but also because it is a “pivotal time in their life for an intervention to take place.” Shuman explained how changing ones environment can lead to a change in attitude and behavior, and how certain colors have been shown to energize students and add to productivity. This research helps to further substantiate what the program is doing.

In the summer, students go to Pratt’s campus, a Brooklyn institute where artists and creative professionals are educated both inside and outside of the classroom, to continue their growth with Publicolor. The location of the program is purposefully chosen so that students can experience college and let it become a reality for them. Schuman makes it a point to use all aspects of the program as a teaching tool. “[It’s] what makes me really proud of the work we do – we use every opportunity to educate the kids.” Another example of this is Publicolor’s focus on nutrition, a growing issue in America for both students and adults alike. Publicolor recognizes the importance of healthy eating habits and tries to instill this in their students through the snacks served and the projects the staff chooses for them. One such project is the creation of nutrition flipbooks where students research the content, manufacturing process, and business aspects involved in making books.

When Shuman began the program, her goal was to use her interest in paint and design, as well as her research regarding the psychological effects of color, to help underprivileged students improve their educational environment and learn marketable skills. Well, given all that the program has accomplished and the support and recognition that it receives, it would appear that she done that and so much more.

Photos by Deeksha Hebbar for Appetite for Good.

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