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Project shows danger of drugs

Deborah Prescott | Daily Press Cathy Uhazie’s Introduction to Art class created anti-drug posters for the Escanaba Senior High School. The art style was copied from Keith Haring, an American graffiti pop artist. Haring’s artwork depicted simplified people, dogs, babies, hearts, and flying saucers in the 1980s.

ESCANABA — Throughout the hallways of Escanaba Senior High School, anti-drug posters created by Cathy Uhazie’s introduction to Art students dot the walls. The class, consisting of ninth through 12 grade students, designed the posters with a particular artist in mind.

Uhazie taught the art class about Keith Haring, an American graffiti pop artist. Haring’s artwork depicted simplified people, dogs, babies, hearts, and flying saucers in the 1980s. He often painted bold lines and bright colors.

“I introduced my Introduction to Art students to him (Haring) and his artwork,” said Uhazie. “I am aware that we have a drug problem here in our community, as well as the rest of the country, so I had my students design their own message about meth, using similar symbols used by Haring.”

Haring’s artwork was based on social issues and he used symbols to create awareness. He was known for involving children in big collaborative art projects. The artist painted a mural on the wall of a handball court in Harlem, N.Y., and was fined $25 for an act of graffiti. Later he was asked to come back and complete it. It was a mural from 1986 entitled, Crack is Wack.

Uhazie’s class created cartoon-like figures and forms, copying Haring’s graffiti art brand, while promoting an anti-drug theme focused on meth (methamphetamine).

“It’s very prevalent now,” said Uhazie. “I’ve heard babies are being born addicted to drugs.”

“About 10 years back I remember a student having scabs on his arms. We brought him to the nurse and she said it was a rash, now we would all know better,” said Uhazie.

Meth abuse is common in the Delta County area numerous cases involving the drug have made their way through the local court system.

“It’s scary realizing how much these kids know about this drug,” said Uhazie. “They know more about meth then us adults. You can see it in their posters.”

The posters at the senior high school depict actions that could happen when someone take drugs, particularly meth.

“The students did such a great job,” said Uhazie.

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