Professor De Paolo of Morgan State University is partnering with Ms. Kyriakakos to implement a community service initiative where MSU interns support Mervo students by providing hands-on experience in college-level art education. Through this collaboration, MSU students share their life experiences, fostering a mutually enriching learning environment for both the interns and the students.

This year, our students received instruction on wheel-throwing techniques for clay.

Welcome to a breathtaking collaboration that emerges from the beauty of an extraordinary partnership between the Baltimore City Police Department and the vibrant heart of the largest high school in Baltimore City.

This collection of student-created art pulsates with the powerful themes of trust, understanding, and healing. Through the magic of creativity and the strength of collaboration, the voices of our youth resonate alongside those of local law enforcement, bravely reflecting on our shared past, engaging passionately with our present, and envisioning a future woven together by connection and profound respect.

This partnership stands as a radiant testament to the transformative power of dialogue, the deep well of empathy, and the unwavering belief that art can serve as a powerful bridge uniting our communities in hope and harmony.

Voices from the Program: Student and Officer Perspectives

“I'm very excited for the collaboration! It's a good way to bring unity between the Police Department and the youth. This is a good opportunity for them so see us in a friendly way as opposed to being in uniform on the street.”

-Officer Davis

“This collaboration has been cool, most officers cannot draw. It is fun. Initially I was uneasy but now I am fond of one and the rest are aiight.”

- Mikea Mack

“When I was in Mr. McDaniels class Officer Davis gave me a service learning hours sheet. This made her cool for real. I can see she really cares."

- A’nya Lucas 

"The students are great and the collaboration is an amazing thing! We are trying to come together as a community and do something good with the Police Department. This will help build the trust with us and the community."

- Officer Houchins

“This program is nice.”

- Selyna Williams

Welcome to this year’s Black History Month Art Exhibition, a celebration of student artists who use their creativity to share powerful personal narratives, expressions of love, and reflections of the people who inspire them.

Art has long been a vital medium for storytelling, resilience, and cultural expression. This exhibition showcases the voices of young creatives as they honor their experiences, histories, and communities. Through portraiture paintings and charcoal drawings, each piece offers a window into the artists’ journeys—their passion for art, the loved ones who shape their perspectives, and the personal stories that define their identities.

As you explore this collection, we invite you to witness the richness of these artistic voices, embrace the depth of their storytelling, and celebrate the next generation of artists who continue to shape and redefine the world through their vision.

We are proud to showcase the incredible talent of our student artists whose charcoal masterpieces have been selected for display in the school district hallways. These powerful works capture deep emotions, personal stories, and bold artistic expression, demonstrating the skill and vision of our young creators. Their artwork not only enhances the district’s space but also serves as an inspiring reminder of the creativity and passion within our schools.

Congratulations to these talented students for sharing their voices through art!

Thank you for joining us in honoring these young creators and the impact of their work during Black History Month and beyond.

Artist: Jeneah Scott

Outside the Paper

Artist: Briasia Cutts

  Rich Girl Pose

Artist: Miguel Angel Garcia Pinto

  What Grows On My Mind

Artist: Mariam Diembele

  Paris

Artist: Hadeel Galeb

  Memories from Islamic Heritage

Artist: Nazly Fortaluo

  Scarlett

  Artist: Samuel Wheeler

  Do You See Me?

 Artist: DRon Jenkins

  #RestupBDball

Artist: Zariyah English

  Joy On My Birthday

Artist: Kamya Steele

  Prom Night

Artist: Carlos Lemus

  My Face

Artist: Miles Williams

  Standing My Ground

Artist: Mustafa Aleid

  School

Artist: DRon Jenkins

  Denim Tears

Artist: Mohammad Abou Ghalyoun

  Embracing the Stars

Artist: Jesus Fuentes

  New Here

Professor Alexandros Abazoglu, a Greek fine artist, specializes in painting, collage, and sculptural installations. Holding an MFA in multi-disciplinary arts and currently pursuing his doctorate, he has exhibited internationally, including in the U.S. and Greece. His work explores socio-political issues, surveillance, and the digital age’s impact on human connection. Drawing from ancient Greek art and mythology, he critiques how technology sterilizes society, leading to dehumanization. Through dystopian imagery with doses of humor, his art reveals the erosion of Western ideals, challenging viewers to reflect on governance, control, and the future of civilization in an increasingly surveilled world.

Lesson Unit: Self Expression and choice

• Teaching students about critique and peer review.

• Guiding students in providing constructive and positive feedback.

• Conducting one-on-one critique sessions and skill modeling.

• Facilitating peer critiques leading up to a full class critique.

• Supporting students in creating individualized self-portraits inspired by artists who reflect their interests.

Samples of work by Professor Alexandros (rotated to left):

Eirini Linardaki, (b. Athens, Greece) is a Greek/French visual artist and public art project developer based in New York and Newark. From her work as an environmental activist in her youth in Greece to later work with Handicap International in Liberia advocating for people with disabilities, her journey has been shaped by environmental action, commitment to social justice, and human connection.

She received her fine arts education at L.I.T. Limerick, Ireland, the Universität Der Kunst of Berlin, and the Ecole Superieure des Beaux-Arts of Marseille, France. Her projects, rooted in community engagement, emphasize on accessibility and multiculturalism.

As part of her community-based art practice, she has been an active member of Newark Artist Collaboration, and Four Corners Public Art project, an initiative to transform Newark, NJ, through public art. She has initiated several art projects within schools in Newark, New York and Baltimore to bring out individual story into art initiation 

Ms. Kyriakakos and Ms. Linardaki have engaged in multiple collaborative projects over the past seven years. Their joint endeavors include the development of sculptural floating installations addressing the refugee crisis, the design of a literary-inspired mural adorning the exterior wall of the auditorium, and a mural located in front of the auto mechanics workshop symbolizing students’ enthusiasm for automobiles. Currently, they are focusing on acquiring proficiency in the Procreate digital illustration application and animation techniques. Examples of Ms. Linardaki's independent works are displayed to the right, while their collaborative projects are shown below.

Since its inception in 2016, Courting Art Baltimore has been dedicated to promoting youth artwork, strengthening connections between the legal community and Baltimore City neighborhoods, and reducing stress and anxiety in local courthouses through vibrant, student-created murals. Open to all Baltimore City Public School high school students, the contest partners with Baltimore City Public Schools, Arts Every Day, Baltimore City Community College, and the College Bound Foundation to provide a seamless pathway from classroom to competition to college.

Mergenthaler Vocational High School, a steadfast participant since the very first contest, has consistently produced finalists and winners—and receives approximately $20,000 each year in scholarships and prize money to support students’ artistic growth. Today, more than half of the Eastside District Courthouse walls are adorned with artwork by Mervo students, underscoring the school’s enduring influence on the program. All submissions are showcased in a public exhibition at Baltimore Unity Hall, where a community-appointed panel of judges evaluates entries based on artistic merit, originality, and thematic relevance. On opening night, fifteen to twenty of the top works are chosen for professional reproduction and long-term display at the Eastside District Courthouse. Every finalist receives a gift certificate for art supplies, and the winners earn scholarships to pursue higher education—ensuring that their creative and academic journeys continue well beyond high school.

Selyna Williams

Self Reflection

Jameel Wheeler

My Reaction