“…a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people."
- Maya Angelou

How can you be a hero in today’s world?

Artist James Marks’ project You as a Wire Hero asks that question and looks for answers. He leads hands-on art workshops allowing participants to consider how they can be a force for good in their everyday lives. 

“The opposite of a Hero is not a villain, it is a bystander.” - Dr. Philip Zimbardo

These classes use concepts from The Heroic Imagination Project, Joseph Campbell’s writings, and the feminist scholarship of Harvard folklorist Maria Tatar. In over 20 years teaching at The Renzi Education and Arts Center, he has used these principles to reach out to at risk BIPOC students. Also James draws on his personal experiences living with autism, a mood affective disorder, and ADHD.

While discussing what it means to be a hero, James helps students create a vibrant and posable sculpture using brightly-colored chenille stems and sturdy wire. These figures serve as either a toy or a work of art that the child can take pride in and continue to make in the future. Their Wire Hero also serves to remind its creator of their own potential for heroism.

No prior artistic experience is needed.

James’ gentle instruction allows even the most hesitant participant to successfully create a champion of their own design that carries the message:

“I can be a Hero!”