“Art is the experience that transforms my life every day. I come from a poor family and being involved in art not only kept me out of trouble, but it also developed my interest for learning and creativity. Today art is my profession and my passion. I work as a Bronx artist and art educator and I use art as an instrument to help people because I am the fruit of similar experience. 
I strongly believe that art can have an impact on Bronxites. I have seen the arts change lives in other communities and I know that art and artists have a responsibility to forge positive social change. The art gives the opportunity to individuals for self-expression, and also creates a sense of community through participation. The Bronx is a community that is historically undeserved in many areas, including the arts. To be able to give the people of my community the opportunity to experience the arts would be fulfilling for me.”