TURNING GRAFFITI INTO ART-Chris Peralto of Thousand Oaks, left, and Daryl Johnson of West Los Angeles, both seniors at the Poseidon School in West Los Angeles, put the finishing touches on some artwork, proving that young people can create art with spray paint, not just vandalism. Peralta is pursuing a career in art. Chris Peralta of Thousand Oaks, a senior graduating from the Poseidon School in West Los Angeles, sees graffiti as an art form rather than an eyesore.

Along with classmate Daryl Johnson, Peralta participated in a mural project developed by Lauren Kronemyer from Marymount High School in Los Angeles. Kronemyer's project had been submitted as part of her application to Mt. Holyoke College's national Take the Lead program that supports idealistic, action-oriented young women who want to make a difference in the world.

Kronemyer's concern was over the lack of art programs available and relevant to at risk or margin-alized youth in Los Angeles. As she cited in her project proposal, "How many opportunities have been wasted to nurture a young talent into a thriving artistic adult?" Her goal was to channel the artistic talents of under-served youth away from vandalism and toward legitimate creative expression.

Kronemyer was introduced to Gerard Mercado, the art teacher at the Poseidon School.

"This was a perfect match since we were planning a mural project as an independent study for several students," said Mercado. Poseidon students Peralta and Johnson created the design for the mural depicting Poseidon within an underwater fantasy. Kronemyer was there to guide them through the specific artistic skills needed to execute a large mural.

Peralta will pursue artistic studies at Otis College of Art and Design next year.

The Poseidon School is a nonprofit, private co-educational high school for students with learning, emotional or social problems. Marymount High School is a Catholic, independent all-girls' high school.