Paint Together Project

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of community and creativity with the Painting Together Project, a captivating endeavor brought to life for the LAUSD Art Festival by the Artist Collective! Join us as we celebrate unity and collaboration through art, inviting local community artists to ignite the imaginations of students across neighborhood schools.

At the heart of this project lies a profound belief: if we can paint together in harmony, then surely we can live together in harmony. Witness the diversity of expression and the unity of purpose as we showcase these captivating works of art, born from the collective imagination of students and artists alike.

Across these five schools, a total of 15 stunning 9 by 12ft murals emerged, each bearing the unique touch of its creators. At the heart of every triptych lies a central mural, boldly showcasing a featured letter from LAUSD.

Join us in celebrating the power of collaboration and the beauty of communal creativity at the LAUSD Art Festival. Experience the magic of the Painting Together Project firsthand and be inspired by the vision of a harmonious community brought to life through art. Be part of the movement. Be part of the art. Be part of something truly extraordinary.

Please click on the letter to read about each school's creative journey in collaboration with a local artist.

Gilyon Brace-Wessel is a professional Bboy (Breakdancer) and graffiti artist. He has taught and mentored students in both art forms for over 15 years. He has served the US Department of State as a cultural ambassador in Guatemala and Ecuador. He’s also featured as a principal actor and dancer in the 2012 movie Battle of the Year, starring Chris Brown. Gil currently works as a specialized art instructor for multiple schools within, but not limited, to the Los Angeles Unified School District, Whittier Unified School District, and Inglewood Unified School District. He is also an instructor at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in downtown LA. He is very proud to bring authenticity to his art forms, display his artwork, and showcase his dance style. He feels honored to keep alive and active the fundamental principles of hip-hop, which are peace, love, unity, and having fun.

Aaron Kai is a talented artist from Hilo, Hawaii who has gained a global following for his breathtaking murals and pop-up events. Over the years, he has collaborated with brands and businesses such as Adidas, Samsung, Nike, and Heineken. After becoming a father, Aaron realized the significance of engaging young people in his artwork. He is committed to advancing his art while also giving back to the communities he serves.

Gilyon Brace-Wessel is a professional Bboy (Breakdancer) and graffiti artist. He has taught and mentored students in both art forms for over 15 years. He has served the US Department of State as a cultural ambassador in Guatemala and Ecuador. He’s also featured as a principal actor and dancer in the 2012 movie Battle of the Year, starring Chris Brown. Gil currently works as a specialized art instructor for multiple schools within, but not limited, to the Los Angeles Unified School District, Whittier Unified School District, and Inglewood Unified School District. He is also an instructor at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in downtown LA. He is very proud to bring authenticity to his art forms, display his artwork, and showcase his dance style. He feels honored to keep alive and active the fundamental principles of hip-hop, which are peace, love, unity, and having fun.

Jose "Steam" Martinez is the Co-Owner and Senior Principal Designer of Good Thanks,

a digital printing and embroidered sportswear company in Orange County. He is a Visual Communication and Computer Animation graduate of the Art Institute of Phoenix. Jose is a SoCal native from Long Beach where he worked most of his life at Homeland Cultural Center. His favorite projects at Homeland included leading graphic design workshops for at-risk youth and the showcasing of the world-famous Out Door Urban Gallery. Concurrently and after his time at Homeland Cultural Center, Jose has served as Art Director and Project Manager of Fortune 500 advertising specialty companies and international companies such as Culture Kings. In his free time, Jose enjoys traveling and painting aerosol-inspired murals. Jose has made contributions to the Los Angeles Graffiti Art movement and has a famous attraction piece at 2400 East Olympic Blvd in East LA. Jose is currently working on a graffiti-inspired architectural design for an upcoming art show in Long Beach. Jose is a firm believer that art is the gateway to the mind and as such, every masterpiece is unique. His inspiration is to tell a story that can resonate with any age because art is what one's mind makes it to be.

Hailing proudly from Desert Hot Springs, CA, Father Akki began his journey into the fashion world at the tender age of 17, orchestrating his inaugural runway show. By 18, he was already leaving his mark on New York Fashion Week. Since 2019, his artistic talents have graced everything from children's apparel to countless bespoke creations. His coveted "drops" vanish from social media platforms within a mere hour of release.

Outside the limelight, he remains dedicated to his craft, painting and creating every day. With a love for wearable art, his preferred canvas is clothing, where his creativity truly shines. For the past seven years, he has poured his passion into his work, constantly pushing the boundaries of fashion and art.