At The Forum School, the arts are important. That is one of the reasons we are so proud of our student Phoenix, who spent the summer taking part in the Jersey City Mural Arts Program (JCMAP). The innovative community program links established and emerging local, national, and international mural artists with property owners as part of a beautification program that reduces graffiti, engages local residents, and transforms Jersey City into an outdoor art gallery.

The highly competitive six-week program accepted only 32 students. Brooke Hansson, Director of JCMAP, said Phoenix has an “amazing artistic aptitude.

Phoenix’s mother credits The Forum School for developing that aptitude. “Teachers at The Forum School nurtured his talent through all the years he has been there. We are so grateful for that. The arts are very important, and that’s one of the reasons we love the school so much,” said Melina, Phoenix’s mom.

Rena Rubin, the art teacher at The Forum School, teaches students to work with a variety of art mediums and techniques such as paint, collage, sculpture, and clay. “Phoenix is a keen and accurate observer of visual details and has the ability, or gift, to render what he sees with accuracy and sensitivity,” said Rena.