Interview with Mary E. Brown

Object Details

Scope and Contents: Mary E. Brown, co-founder of Life Pieces to Masterpieces, talks about the origin, evolution, and culture of Life Pieces to Masterpiece, an organization which works with boys and young men. Brown states the Life Pieces to Masterpieces started as an opportunity for boys and young men to learn and create Larry Quick's art form, engage in conversations, eat, go to museums, and have fun. Once the founders (Brown, Quick, and Benjamin Johnson) gained further understanding of the boys and young men's needs, they added more programs, such as homework center and partnering with other groups; engaged the community more helping more boys and young men; creating and participating in public art, such as the Kites in the Heights project; and figuring out how to support them in really being children. Brown speaks of specific stories of success, specific backgrounds and life circumstances of the boys and young men, the involvement and contribution of each of the co-founders, and the big vision and goals for the future of Life Pieces to Masterpieces. Brown states Life Pieces to Masterpieces 'demonstrated art is essential for living,' and provided her with a fulfillment of purpose in life.; Interview. Dated 20101208.

Occupation: Artists
Topic: African Americans; African American artists; Civic leaders; Communities

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Citation: Interview with Mary E. Brown, Anacostia Community Museum Archives, Smithsonian Institution.