You as a Wire Hero!
“You can’t solve your problems
unless you imagine solving them first.”
-James’ Grandfather,
Oscar Williams
Can you be a hero
in today’s world?
Artist James Marks’ project You as a Wire Hero! asks that question and looks for answers. He leads hands-on art workshops allowing participants to consider how they can be a force for good in their everyday lives.
“…a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people."
- Maya Angelou
These classes use concepts from The Heroic Imagination Project, Joseph Campbell’s writings, and the feminist scholarship of Harvard folklorist Maria Tatar. In over 20 years teaching at The Renzi Education and Arts Center, he has used these principles to reach out to at risk BIPOC students. Also James draws on his personal experiences living with autism, a mood affective disorder, and ADHD.
“The opposite of a Hero is not a villain, it is a bystander.”
- Dr. Philip Zimbardo
Materials for Learning
Funded at 100% in 2022 by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts through the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, You as a Wire Hero! continues over 20 years of arts education by lead James Marks. Participants are exposed to James’ unique style of twisted wire art. They make their creations with supplies like colorful store bought chenille stems or salvaged copper motor wire. The
Education for Students and Teachers…
… and parents too! James Marks is more than a professional sculptor. He is a one man missionary spreading the gospel of wire art. Starting with easily accessible chenille stems, he allows people of all ages to learn the basics of twisting and wrapping wire. These creations build confidence and a sense of ownership in objects they build for themselves. Parents and teachers can easily learn these fundamentals and bring them back year after year with future children.
Once the pupils have learned the basics they can move on to solid wire. Everything from aluminum craft wire to discarded coat hangers wait to be turned into creations limited only by the imagination.
Support for Communities
You as a Wire Hero! meets the public where the people are. Some classes take place at after school programs, such as the Volunteers of America Lighthouse and The Renzi Education and Arts Center. Summer classes happen at libraries throughout the 10 Parishes SRAC covers. All through the run of the Red River Revel classes reached over 1500 children, both during the school day and on the weekend.
If you have an event open to the public that would benefit from free arts education, please contact James to discuss the future of You as a Wire Hero!
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
jmarks@mmcc.com
Phone
(318) 286-1855