Young artists in Phoenix are getting paid to paint classic cars in public this weekend.
Students from Maryvale High School and three other schools in the Phoenix Union High School District will take part in Artists on the Field on Sunday, April 12, at Tempe Diablo Stadium. The event is part of the Bell Lexus North Scottsdale Copperstate 1000, organized by the Men’s Art Council, which raises money for fallen DPS troopers and the Phoenix Art Museum.
Maryvale senior Christian Sereno-Mendez will be one of 20 PXU students painting cars live.
“I really like low riders,” Christian said. “Those are my favorite type of car.”
He said starting a new piece can be challenging.
“The things I do are take a deep breath,” Christian said about the best way to start a new piece of art. “It gets really overwhelming in the middle of doing it all…I sketch out everything. Each time, I add more and more.”
Men’s Art Council representative Eric Greenbank said each student will receive 200 dollars for their commissioned pieces, which will depict classic cars at the Copperstate 1000. He said the top pieces will earn even more.
“Without artwork, the world just isn’t the colorful,” Greenbank said.
“I hope they take away the confidence to be out in public and do their artwork and see they can continue on and use it in the future,” he said.
For Maryvale senior Yilana Pablo, the event is also about what she learns away from the canvas.
“To be patient and take my time,” Yilana said.
Maryvale art teacher Chad Knapp said he was proud of his students and how they had used the opportunity.
“I think it showcases why the arts are valuable,” Knapp said. “It also demonstrates and instills in them that these are important to people and gives them a spotlight.”
The students will paint cars live from 7:30 am to 11:30 am on Sunday, April 12, at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
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