WHY SNEAKERS?

In a recent interview with the Boston Globe I was asked, "Why sneakers?"

Shoes are universal. Before you step out into the world, you put your shoes on. One of the many goals of "Walkin' The Tightrope" is teaching/learning how to maintain balance through the many highs and lows of life. Sneaker culture is very prevalent at the John Marshall and with this age group of students. I knew that SNEAKERS would be a good avenue to spark student interest. Aside from the fact that I knew kids would LOVE the opportunity to design their own shoe, this project is about encouraging students to walk the right path. It brings us together as individuals, a class, a school, and a community. With sneakers we draw a direct analogy to WALKING, and taking "STEPS" in a positive direction. Maintaining balance on life's tightrope.  

The song "Tightrope" by Janelle Monae was one source of inspiration for this project-

Some people talk about ya
Like they know all about ya
When you get down they doubt ya
And when you tippin on the scene
Yeah they talkin' bout it
Cause they can't tip all on the scene with ya

When you get elevated,
They love it or they hate it
You dance up on them haters
Keep getting funky on the scene
While they jumpin' round ya 

They try to take all your dreams
But you can't allow it

Cause baby whether you're high or low
Whether you're high or low
You gotta tip on the tightrope

T-t-t-tip on the tightrope

You either follow or you lead.

WE WILL BE HOSTING AN ART SHOW EXHIBITING/CELEBRATING ALL STUDENT WORK. PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS, AND 130 FINAL SHOE DESIGNS ON ACTUAL CONVERSE SHOES! STUDENTS WILL ALSO PERFORM JANELLE MONAE'S "TIGHTROPE" LIVE AT THE EVENT! IT WILL ALL GO DOWN SATURDAY MARCH 5TH AT THE GOOD LIFE BAR IN BOSTON! MORE DETAILS TO COME...DONT MISS IT!