Boxwood Learning Center Presents

Where talent develops

by Paul Arboleda

New Jersey

We live in a state with some areas known for "violence" or a "bad environment." People say even worse things about my state, but what they forget to mention are the many talented individuals who are stuck in these tough situations, and it's the only life they know.

My name is Paul Arboleda, and I love my home state of New Jersey where I was born. When I moved to Georgia as a teenager, it changed my life in a negative way. If I had stayed in Georgia, I wouldn't be the person I am today!

Now, I'm an author, content creator, graphic designer, and performing artist. I'm writing this article to remind fellow New Jerseyians that there is an incredible underground artist community. Unfortunately, people sometimes label us as rejects, offenders, or troubled individuals. But the truth is, we are just artists looking for a way to express ourselves.

I discovered my creative outlet at Boxwood. My mentor, Ms. Marie, took a group of us to Cerebral Studio, where we had an amazing experience. Inspired by that trip, Ms. Marie later set up a studio for local youth like us to pursue their artistic passions.

ART IS EVERYWHERE

Individuals with an artist personality type enjoy creating new things with their minds, hands, etc. Beautiful things, unstructured activities, meeting interesting people, seeing new sights, hearing new sounds, experiencing new things in life. Right: Fariq Thomas aka Fazo PGE

Artist Fazo PGE Podcast Episode (click here)

and featuring artists from Boxwood Studio (click here)

Thank you to the New Jersey Office of Faith-Based Initiatives for seed funding to train local artists in 2023; the focus of the workshops are branding, music engineering, song writing, and career development. To volunteer, contact Paul A at parboleda@boxwoodnj.org

Art itself is an expression of the artist. They use surrounding resources and employ their unique creative approaches to bring their artistic visions to life.

I think everyone is talented in their own ways, whether they realize it or not, it could be an amazing plate of food, a sculpture, a song, drawing, your physical appearance is ART. Everything you see is art.

Whether its a skill, or you're naturally born with it, art is always an expression of our thoughts, emotions, intuitions, and desires.

LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT

As a little kid growing up, crayons & markers were my best friends. I loved to draw or color on whatever, wherever, whenever. As a teenager, music & art was my best friend, and it turned me into an artist, a musician, and an author. Life isn't over yet, maybe I'll find a new talent along the way.

About Editor:

Paul Arboleda graduated from Boxwood in 2019; he now devotes his time in creating content for the website, social media, and print materials for Boxwood. Paul is also available to create content for local organizations and can be reached at 908-838-5270.

To the left, Paul's new book, Still a Kid, is about overcoming opioid addiction and tips for parents and community members.

Celebration for Champions

On June 29, 2023, local artists will perform at the Boxwood Learning Center award and graduation ceremony (for youth obtaining their diplomas via GED).

Please come to support our artists or sponsor the event via business advertisement journal

visit us at www.boxwoodnj.org

visit artists at www.youthrising.world

Like us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@boxwoodchamps