"Fullerton Celebrates Urban Art for All Ages"

“Fullerton Celebrates Urban Art for All Ages”

By: Krista Earwood

            “Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl back to loneliness.” – Maya Angelou, “Gather Together in My Name”

            Music has been the refuge of people of all ages in Orange County and around the world. Music has the ability to calm fears, sooth sadness, inspire creativity and enlighten happiness in people across generations.  The City of Fullerton’s Parks and Recreation Department recognizes the importance of music as a unifier in the community and will host the first urban art celebration entitled, “Generations…Beats, Rhymes & Life” on Saturday, December 4^th 2010 beginning at 2p.m. until 8p.m. at the Independence Park Gymnasium.

            The mission is to celebrate hip-hop culture as a positive force in the community that transcends generations through a passion for dance, music and art. The event will feature dance performances by Enerjetik from “Step Up 3D”.  Various DJ’s including Broky B and DJ Able will be present at the event as well as several acclaimed MC Dannu.

            “Hip-hop has been a huge part of my life here in Fullerton,” said dancer and artist Dino Mayorga, “It has been my life. I think it’s important to do what we can to celebrate the importance of hip-hop culture for young people.”

            Dino Mayorga will host an artist workshop at the event where he will demonstrate how to do custom wearable artwork on shoes, hats and skate decks.  The workshop is designed to encourage young people to use their artistic talents in a positive way, one that will benefit their future careers.

            According to the U.S. Department of Justice,  it costs taxpayers between $12 and $15 billion annually to remove graffiti, prosecute offender and pay other associated costs. By enforcing the positive aspects of hip-hop culture, “Generations…Beats, Rhymes & Life” hopes to encourage people to pursue positive outlets for their creativity.

            “I feel that teaching art and music is very needed, especially in schools,” said Tyrone Ward one of the event’s founders. “Events like ‘Generations…Beats, Rhymes & Life’ help in expanding the awareness and the possibilities in the minds of the youth. It helps to nurture creativity and self-expression in a positive way.”

            This event is free to the public of all ages and will feature artist performances, dance competitions, workshops, vendors and other activities. “Generations…Beats, Rhymes & Life” will take place indoors on Saturday December 4^th, 2010 beginning at 2p.m. until 8p.m. inside the Independence Park Gymnasium located at

801 W. Valencia Dr., Fullerton, CA

.

            For more information, please contact Aaron Orozco, Parks and Recreation Supervisor at (714)738-5360.

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