Comments on: Artists share message of peace

By: Alicia Figeroa

Alicia Figeroa — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 14:56:38 +0000

The National Youth Art Movement Against Gun Violence seems like a great experience, and a great way to spread awareness.

I have lived in Chicago for 9 years. I’ve never experienced losing a family or close friend from gun violence, but in middle school one of my close friend’s brother was killed by a drive by. Up to this day, my friend still feels that if he stopped his brother from leaving the house it would have never happened. I could see how it affected him, and now he lives to make his brother proud.

The idea that this problem was shown to a different state, it spreads awareness. Also, it sends a message that even high schoolers in a typical Chicago school understand gun violence. I see that as a dramatic realization, that this should be a topic that everyone should think about, and act on to stop it. What the NYAM did for you personally is amazing. It seems like a once in a lifetime experience in my eyes. Both express a message that you work hard to represent, and let you learn about other artists and more about this topic.

Even though Ms. Gifford’s story was shortly summarized, I can see why people would find it so emotional I feel that her story should be shared worldwide since clearly she has a great voice.

By: Lizbeth Cervantes

Lizbeth Cervantes — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 01:03:37 +0000

I honestly love what these two young women have done. To be high school students and have their artwork displayed on billboards in Chicago and Minneapolis is amazing. For my personal project, I’m doing drawings against racism. This article and their work inspires me. This shows me that if you try hard enough, even as a high school student, you can get far. This is not only in art. The girls had to go through a lot of drafts and do them over and over again. They probably had the choice to give up, but they didn’t. That’s how I want to be. I want to believe in myself, that I can do anything I set my mind to. Maybe with my racism drawings I can make it far, as well. To see these girls so proud of themselves with the biggest smile on their faces is so heartwarming. I don’t know these girls, but despite that, I’m very proud of them. Congratulations!

By: Nate Pizano

Nate Pizano — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 01:42:47 +0000

I really appreciate Millie Martinez and Daria Velazquez’s artwork. I am happy that they were guests at the Nobel Peace Prize in Minnesota. They should feel proud of themselves. I think that their artwork is important because their art brings an idea of what this world is about, how the world is suffering.

I feel that art in general is important for everyone and everything. I feel like the more artwork like this, the more people would stop just to acknowledge it and its power. I feel that having an organization that helps bring awareness of gun violence in Chicago for people who are young is important for them, and for the people they will become.