“ArtEzen: Youth Sprouting Change” is a multi-media art exhibit featuring
the artwork created by participants in Rock Paper Scissors’ eco-fashion
youth program, as well as work produced from local Oakland public charter
high schools. The exhibit will run May 2nd to May 23rd at RPSC. The
opening reception will feature a youth-led green fashion show, as well as
capeoira and dance performances from MetWest High School students during
the First Friday Community Street Fair on 23rd St. from 6pm-8pm. The youth
performances will be in collaboration with the UC Berkeley student group,
Resource Green’s, sustainability event, “Art, Earth, and Each Other.”

What is an ArtEzen? An ArtEzen is an artisan or artist and global citizen
who use their art to help make the world greener and more just! The term
was coined by Angelina Vergara’s art class at Eastbay Conservation Corps
Charter School. Vergara’s class will display a Romare Bearden-inspired
community needs assessment mural, sell their greenbiz worm compost, and
showcase their eco-reuse fashions.

Joining the Eastbay Conservation Corps are students from Jamie Treacy’s
class at Unity High School and RPSC’s eco-fashion program with youth from
Lighthouse Charter Community School, Broadway School of the Arts, Berkeley
High, and MetWest High School. Unity High School will display various
works of 2D art, while RPSC’s youth participants will display their
handmade, recycled and reconstructed fashions made from scrap fabric, as
well as clothing destined for the dumpster generously donated by St.
Vincent De Paul.