Social Justice exhibition hosted by San Leandro High Students

The students of the San Leandro High School Social Justice Academy,
with support from local San Leandro artists Melanie Cervantes, Jesus
Barraza, and Anna Edwards, will be exhibiting their poster art at a
show titled "Art For Empowerment," May 28-June 26th 2009 at the
gallery of Anna Edwards. The celebratory opening reception, which is
open to the public, is scheduled for May 28, 2009 from 5:00-8:00pm at
the Anna Edwards Gallery at 237 E. 14th Street, San Leandro, CA 94577.

Art for Empowerment illustrates the vital role of visual arts in
social justice movements. Student artists utilize the power of words
and images to commemorate heroes, summon calls to action, and raise
awareness about struggles that resonate with the core values of the
teen social justice movement at San Leandro High School. The prints
are intended to remind viewers of the important work that needs to be
completed in our communities and in our world.

As part of the Social Justice Academy Guest Artist in Residence
Program, artists Melanie Cervantes and Jesus Barraza taught a two-week
series of workshops about using art for empowerment in social justice
movements. Both deeply passionate and knowledgeable about social
justice art, Cervantes and Barraza began the workshop series with a
history of social justice art, and led the students through the
process of issue choice, poster conceptualization, and skill
development for using vector-based computer drawing and graphics and
image editing software to manipulate and arrange images and words in
their posters. Closely tied to California English Language Arts
Content Standards, the workshop series illustrates creative ways to
engage students in school curriculum through teaching, empowering, and
creating long lasting community partnerships.

The students' work will be for sale during the exhibit, with a portion
of the proceeds benefiting the Social Justice Academy so it may
continue building its Arts for Empowerment program. Ms. Edwards, who
is donating the use of her gallery space for the exhibit, has open
gallery hours on Thursdays from 1-6 pm.