Art has always been an important element in PNM's programming. When the program was founded in the mid '90s, PNM began as an "art program" where young people could come and hone their drawing and painting skills, while learning about the role that art played in Latin American history. The program exposed young people to murals, indigenous art, and other art styles that they did not address in their schools, particularly as schools mainly focused on European art.

Today, as PNM has transitioned into a youth leadership development program, the program uses art to give young people the opportunity to express the political realities of their community, and to combat the popular media discourse that criminalizes Latino immigrant youth. As schools slowly eliminate art and music from their curriculums, PNM believes it is necessary to preserve such a powerful means of self-expression.

Our accomplishments to date include the completion of numerous art projects such as 15 murals, 16 multi-media public presentations and the painting of 5 city switchboxes. In 2005, PNM members organized a photo exhibit that was displayed at the East Somerville Community School which documented the daily lives of Central American youth in the city.

PNM's art curriculum includes both digital and visual art. Classes are offered from Monday through Friday and are taught in Spanish and English by a part-time artist. This summer, we will be offering the following classes:

Airbrushing/Screen-printing basics

This class focuses on teaching young people about airbrushing and screen-printing basics. Young people will work on further developing their artistic talents, and use their skills to paint 2 murals in Somerville and work on a T-shirt project.