Tony Farley is a student at LBCC studying Machine Tool Technology. He is an active, caring person, whose travel across America got him involved in making a difference in society. Farley has a great passion for education and wanted to be more educated, so he studied at Oregon State and the University of Oregon, taking classes in psychology, anthropology, and sociology.
"It was awesome and rewarding. I learned a lot," said Farley about taking classes at both schools.
He traveled across the country with his friends with only a thousand dollars in his pocket, when he was 19 before he went to school.
"We ate lots of ramen and peanut butter," said Farley in laughter.
As they traveled from Montana to California, to New York, and to Georgia, the poverty he saw filled him with anger.
"People weren't homeless. They were just poor," said Farley, recalling his trip.
In any state he traveled to, there were people with anger, fear and violence. Seeing people that were so suspicious gave him an impression that nobody trusted others.
"I got to understand current America by traveling. I would do it again," said Farley.
The poverty that he saw with his own eyes drove him to promote a positive social change within his community.
He has been working on recreating a graffiti wall in Eric Scott Mckinley Park, knwon as Corvallis Skate Park, since last September.
After the previous graffiti was taken down 6 years ago, many artists lost an outlet. Brandon Cyrus Peery was one of artists who wished to construct a new wall. When Peery and Farley discussed the idea with Benton County Arts Coalition, it was gratefully accepted.
"They liked the idea," said Peery, rejoicing.
Fortunately, they received $1,500 start-up funding for the project from BCCC (Benton County Cultural Commission) that made their dream possible.
"I'm very excited!" said Farley, expressing his confidence.
Ten members are working on the project, the group's occupation range in occupation from local artists, college students, to teachers.
Paul Kepshire, a part-time worker, is one of the contributors.
"It's going to be a great place for artists to get together. I think that graffiti is a wonderful idea that should be embraced, rather than shunned because of the stigma which some people may have over graffiti," said Kepshire.
The wall will be installed by September 18th. It is a public mural wall so anyone can display a painting once it's established.
For the fund-raising, there will be an art auction featuring Benton County Skateboarding Alliance on March 26th in Corvallis.
Like other project members, Tony strives for a positive social change.
"I'd like to see a sense of community." Farley also wants the expression of that community to be visible and to light up it's people.
Who: Tony Farley
What: Building a graffiti wall
When: Current
Where: Eric Scott Mckinley Park SW 2nd St and SW B Ave, Corvallis
Donation: Corvallis Graffiti Collective
Contact: Corvallisgraffitiwall2010@gmail.com
Eric Scott Mckinley Skate Park
Gazzettimes
Call for Art BCSA Website
The Corvallis Arts and Culture Comission
Tony sounds like a very interesting person. Your profile is full of info on him but I still want to know more!
ReplyDeleteDon't forget your links and a couple more sources. Maybe someone from the graffiti project? The park might make a good link.
I really like how your story flowed. It really shows his passion for education and for living!
I love the way you write Maya, it is just how you converse with people! Reading your stories is like talking to an old friend. Great work!
ReplyDeletePeace~Lis