Gary Alumni Pathway to Students Partners with Renowned Artist PeQue to Launch Art Revitalization Initiative in Gary

Gary, IN - Gary Alumni Pathway to Students (GAPS) announced today that it has received a grant from the Legacy Foundation, Lake County's community foundation, funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Donor Advised Fund, to support its new art revitalization initiative.This initiative will engage local youth and the community in a transformative art project aimed at celebrating the rich history and culture of Gary through large-scale murals on billboards.
"We are excited to partner with the Legacy Foundation to bring this project to life," said Lisa Bennett, interim Executive Director of GAPS. "The grant will enable our program to engage local youth through art and create a lasting tribute to the heroes of Gary, inspiring pride and connection within the community."
In the first week of March, renowned artist and Gary native, PeQue, will return to his hometown to collaborate with local middle school students on the creation of original artwork. These pieces will be featured on billboards throughout Gary, celebrating local heroes who have made significant contributions to the city's legacy. Through this project, PeQue and the students will bring to life portraits and stories of these individuals, showcasing their impact on the community.
PeQue, known for his mural commissions for Vice President Kamala Harris, Hall of Famers Landon Donovan and Cobi Jones, and a tribute to Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, has spent years revitalizing communities through art. With his Liquid Arts Studios in Los Angeles and Atlanta, PeQue has been an advocate for youth mentorship and community engagement through creative expression. He is thrilled to return to his roots and work with the next generation of artists in Gary.
"It's incredible to come back to Gary and use art to connect young people to the rich history of this city. I'm excited to see the students shine and create artwork that will inspire their peers and the entire community," said PeQue.
GAPS' mission is to connect alumni, businesses, and community stakeholders with students to promote academic, career, and life success. This art initiative aligns with GAPS' broader goals of fostering community pride and creating opportunities for youth in Gary. The project also highlights the importance of arts education and aims to instill a sense of pride in local history and culture among the students involved.
For more information on this project, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact, Zanetta Miller, Communication Coordinator via email at zanetta.miller@gapsgary.org
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About Legacy Foundation
Legacy Foundation invests in nonprofit services and capacity building efforts throughout Lake County, Ind. Through the generosity of a wide base of donors, Legacy Foundation has awarded $40 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofit organizations and individuals since its founding in 1992. Learn more at https://legacyfdn.org/.

About Gary Alumni Pathway to Students (GAPS)
GAPS connects alumni, businesses, and community stakeholders with students to promote academic, career, and life success. Through structured programming and partnerships, GAPS helps students navigate a rapidly changing world by ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for their educational and career success. To learn more, visit https://gapsgary.org/.

About PeQue Brown
Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, artist PeQue Brown has spent over 35 years making his mark in the art world. His work includes murals and commissions for public figures like Vice President Kamala Harris and sports legends Landon Donovan and Cobi Jones. PeQue is also known for his tribute to Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles. Through his Liquid Arts Studios, PeQue has been dedicated to mentoring youth and revitalizing communities through art. For more information about PeQue, visit https://www.pequeartist.com/.

Address: 900 Gerry St., Rm C142, Gary, IN 46406

About Gary Alumni Pathway to Students (GAPS)
GAPS connects alumni, businesses, and community stakeholders with students to promote academic, career, and life success. Through structured programming and partnerships, GAPS helps students navigate a rapidly changing world by ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for their educational and career success. To learn more, visit https://gapsgary.org/.

This release was published on openPR.