Inspiring Students And Building School Culture Through Arts and Collaboration
New York City artist John Westbay will be visiting two Fall River schools next week to collaborate with students on
murals and special artworks to inspire tomorrow’s artists and promote positive school culture.

“I have one goal—to always keep the inner-doodling child alive,” said Westbay,
who will be conducting art workshops and mural paintings throughout the week
of October 24, 2022, at Henry Lord Community School and Talbot Middle
School.

As a child, Westbay loved art, but felt it was not encouraged as a profession.
Still, he kept his dream alive and taught himself, moving from a street tagger to
a celebrated artist whose works have been exhibited at galleries across the
United States, Europe, and the Middle East. He has also created lines of
streetwear and other gear.

“Just as John has dreamed of being an artist, there are many students in
Fall River who have similar goals. He is living proof that if you ‘Dream
it, see it,’ you can ‘Be it,’” said Jacqueline Francisco, director of Fall
River Public School’s Fine and Performing Arts.

Talbot Middle School’s mural will be on the outside of the building
while the Henry Lord Community School’s artwork will be showcased
on the inside.

The new murals will be the latest in a line of mural projects at Fall River schools.
“Mural work impacts our schools in creating a positive identity,” Francisco said. “We are extremely excited to see
students engage with the artist as they discuss symbols and icons that represent their school, community, and city,
and actually have input on the final work.”

Westbay is making this visit to Fall River in partnership with Coaching4Change, a nonprofit organization that
provides college-age mentors to supplement school programs in under-resourced cities such as Fall River, New
Bedford, Attleboro, Taunton, Brockton, and Providence.
“C4C is thrilled to be involved in this project with John Westbay and the Fall River Public Schools, helping young
people see how they can turn their passions into careers and leave a lasting impression of love within their school
culture,” said Marquis Taylor, co-founder and CEO of Coaching 4 Change.
Media Advisory: John Westbay will be at Talbot Middle School on October 24 and 25 and at Henry Lord
Community School on October 27 and 28. If you would like to cover these events or interview Westbay, please
contact Pete Berman at pete@c4cinc.org or (978) 460-0236.