PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Vanessa Young and Teisha Brown founded Power of Paint (POP) Art Academy, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that uses art to give hundreds of Black and brown youths a creative and entrepreneurial outlet.
“We decided to use what we were naturally good at to reach as many children as possible,” said Brown, who works in social services by day, providing therapy to those battling addiction.
Brown is the executive director of POP, while Young, an artist, brings her expertise to the softer side of their efforts. She teaches art classes online, but what they do is broad. The duo teaches kids everything from painting and poetry to entrepreneurship.
“We want them to know that they can be something other than what they normally see,” said Young, “so we do things in a different way.”
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Young found inspiration to help youth through hip-hop and other musical influences. Brown, who grew up in the West Indies, came to America at 17 years old, looking for a way to serve. The two met at work and clicked. They decided to use art as a vehicle to help young minds grow.
“For me, I think art is freedom,” said Brown. “I am a big proponent of autonomy, and I believe art allows all participants to be autonomous in how they view themselves.”
POP benefits kids of all ages, leading them in virtual art classes, summer camps, youth art shows and community events.
Their reach for live events has been centered in Philadelphia, but the coronavirus pandemic forced them to widen their scope. Now, they host free online classes, and the kids who log on are from all over the globe.
“They don’t have to do anything but log on because we’ll deliver the supplies directly to you,” added Brown, noting the group uses recycled materials as art supplies.
The effort has brought children together at a time when many are isolated and working from home.
“The kids get to meet people they may not otherwise meet,” said Young.
POP offers low-cost classes where kids and adults can learn to sew, do crafts and host paint parties. It also provides opportunities for kids to create a business entity, learn creative writing, dance — the list goes on. Entrepreneurship takes off from there.
“We have had kids launch clothing lines,” added Young.
POP Art Academy is changing the game by, as Young says, “offering people the ability to be themselves.”
KYW Newsradio’s GameChangers honors 10 individuals or organizations that have made a significant, positive impact in communities of color in the greater Philadelphia region. KYW community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg will host a virtual evening honoring this year’s awardees on Feb. 24.
For a full list of 2021 honorees, click here.