From interactive kaleidoscope bike sculptures to military tanks turned dj booths, 18-year-old National City native Alex Hernandez is showcasing his creativity and building skills through every A Reason to Survive project he gets his hands on.
ARTS is a local organization with the mission of igniting the power of creativity in youth, inspiring them to overcome obstacles and equipping them with the skills needed to become compassionate catalysts for positive change, according to their website.
“ARTS is helping by having their projects displayed,” Hernandez said. “It will make more people happy about living here and proud of living here.”
He first got involved with ARTS as a senior at Sweetwater High School when he was looking for community service hours through an internship.
Now that he’s graduated, he works as an assistant teacher at ARTS where he teaches young artists how to weld and works on projects. In the future, he hopes to pursue a career in welding.
“It gives kids and people like me a place to go. People go in there they hang out,” Hernandez said. “It helps those that need to be helped. Even though they might not say they need to be helped. It can be their safe haven.”
He added that programs like ARTS help keep National City a tight knit community where people are close and recognize each other while they’re out and about.
On Oct. 16, Hernandez will be part of an art and music fundraising event hosted by National City native and Passion Planner Vice President Chelsea Wong at Liberty Station called “You Are Here.”
The event will feature live music by Melissa Polinar, Jeremy Passion, Gabe Bondoc and Devvlov and Tito Boy Project will be serving food. Youth artists involved in ARTS, including Hernandez, will put on an art show and have their art for sale.
“There’s going to be an art show that we’re doing — it’s really a place that helps me to be me,” Hernandez said, referring to “You Will Be Here.”
Half of the proceeds from the event will go to ARTS. Tickets are $25 each and can be bought on eventbrite at bit.ly/you-are-here-2019. The event is family-friendly, and kids under age five can attend for free.
