Lunch Table Art Exhibit Unveiled In Union Square

Students transformed 10 lunch tables into works of art that address various issues affecting young people today from drug abuse to racism. Those tables will be placed in parks throughout the city. The exhibit is part of LeAp's Public Art Program directed by Alexandra Leff.

"For us the tables are a symbol of student ideas and conversation," Leff says. "Kids hang out in the cafeteria, they're talking about issues, so that has been the symbol of this program and that has been the canvas since this program's inception."

The program began seven years ago and each year sees a new group of kids from all over the city. This year, two schools from each borough are participating. Each school chose an issue that they wanted to address in their artwork, choosing names for their pieces like "Stop Bullying! Learn to Change the World" and "Breaking Racism's Barriers/ Our Bond Will Not be Broken."

Most of the kids in the program are middle school aged. The program meant to help give voice so they can express themselves about issues that matter to them and teach them peer leadership skills.

"We feel like that's an age to really empower them and have them have them realize they make a difference in their community and in their lives... it's really a program about empowering kids in all different ways in their lives," Leff says.

Many kids have been impacted by the issues that they addressed in their artwork first hand. Jose Machicote is a sixth grader from PS/IS 50 in Manhattan. His school addressed the issue of bullying and the need for peace. A victim of bullying himself, he hoped that his table will help others stand up to their bullies and find help, just like he did.

"Some kids are afraid that some adults won't help them or they're afraid the bullies might beat them up, so the tables might give them a little bit of courage to stand up to the bullies."

Jose and his classmates decorated their table with written promises to be better people and to treat others more kindly.

The event on Tuesday was the only time all 10 tables will be together in the same place. Now, each will be placed in a different park throughout the city where they will remain on display from June until August.