South Ozone Park students share their artistic vision thanks to a program created by a famous hip-hop mogul.
Students at M.S. 226 held a reception for the opening of their new gallery, "Color Coded."
The gallery was made possible by the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.
The foundation was created by Russell and Rev Run Simmons and provides inner city urban youth with exposure and access to the arts.
This year, students made art inspired by themes of freedom.
The program has been part of the school's curriculum for the past five years.
Organizers say they believe art saves lives and they hope to help at risk kids stay on the right path.
"Their focus, their attention to detail. Their desire to make art and their self worth, I realized we impact that," said David Camacho, a teaching artist with the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.
"I learned many techniques from them. It was very helpful to me," said student Brandon Baksh.
The Rush Program also works with two other public schools in the city.