Next Up x Black Book Sessions #24

Black Book Sessions stopped in Anaheim, CA where they teamed up with Next Up Foundation to put together a free creative festival for young artists open to the public. Due to a shared vision to help mentor at-risk youth, the teams pulled together local artists, artisans, and other organizations to bring the festival alive. Young artists received the chance to get an up-close look into the lives of professional artists and mentors. Gathering around the steps of the entrance they sat in on an intimate lecture by special guest Edwin Aguilar, an animator from the hit animated television series “the Simpsons” asking important questions like what it takes to be a professional animator. For weeks before the event Eric “Mural” Martinez, the founder of Black Book Sessions, and his long-time friend Joey “Ryser One” Cardoso, a street artist, stopped by Next Up Foundation to paint a community mural in their yoga room. They collaborated with the kids in the program and had a big reveal at Black Book Sessions 24^th event.

The event was alive with art, music, and good food from Chica’s Catering and Horchateria RL restaurant that helped sponsor the events arts-n-crafts booth decorating vinyl records.

Our friend Neal Unger, a legendary 60-year-old skateboarder, showed off his tricks to the kids at the skate park, and even our Anaheim city Mayor Tom and Julie Tait paid a visit. Professor Paul Schmitt, another living legend, engineer, and responsible for many skateboard inventions, was also seen at the event sharing his engineering wisdom. Towards the end of the event young artists between the ages of 9-23 years old entered Black Book Sessions art contest and winners per age category received prizes donated by the local supporters such as Vans, Hybrid Apparel and art supplies donated by Art Supply Warehouse. At the end of the year Black Book Sessions will award a well-deserved past participating winner a college Scholarship/Grant and mentor them through their education. Together, we can make a difference in our local communities by empowering and inspiring young talent.