“I always had a passion for reaching kids that grew up in a similar fashion to how I grew up - in the same areas, all that stuff - just to be an influence. When I was growing up, I was going through a lot of things, and it seemed so difficult and like I’d never overcome those obstacles, so I love being a direct example like, ‘Yeah, I grew up on that same street, and I’m here’; Two degrees, 22, black woman. So that’s why I got so excited that I got to work [with these students.] I’m using art to reach them in a positive way and to put a smile on their face if I can.”

Maxine du Maine: Art Instructor at Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design (an A&E grantee)

Read more about what Maxine du Maine is doing with the students at Griscom Public School here.