At Risk: Stories of Hope

www.atriskstoriesofhope.com

A sculptor and muralist whose bold work is on several Metro Detroit buildings, Perez teaches through the art he creates. Students who work with him learn as much about history and culture as they do about paper-mâché and painting. "If art doesn't serve a purpose for society, it is not reaching its full potential," says the 45-year-old who teaches art, bilingual and special education. A mural painted this year inside Logan Elementary traced the Detroit school's history from a largely Polish to mostly Hispanic student body. Principal Maria Elena Vasquez said "mini-artists" vied to help Perez decorate the wall. "He touched a lot of kids," she says, "and he uncovered a lot of natural talent, abilities." Today Perez and his wife reside in Corktown. The oldest of their five children-including two college art students-help their father work with neighborhood youth. "I'm trying to give my kids a sense of community," Perez says. "It's not all about making money."

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