Chattanooga students and Mark Making hope to Stop the Violence

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – For the past two weeks, teens from all over the Scenic City came together with Mark Making.

They created a film with a message that they feel all of Chattanooga needs to hear.

The students decided to create a music video titled “stop the violence.”

The teens wrote, shot and edited the entire project…and hope the video will pass along a message of peace in the community.

Amari Johnson said, “These lyrics are about stopping the violence and sharing love basically.”

Emrie Pinkerton added, “What the message is tying to get across to the younger generation that is really struggling to get that message right now.”

Working as a team, the students wrote, shot and edited the video in 10 days.

The original press release about the event said, “Please join Mark Making for the premiere of a music video created by local teens.

The film, Stop the Violence, is the culmination of a two-week project that challenged teens to work collaboratively as apprentices to produce a film in ten days.

Mentored by a professional filmmakers, teens were responsible for all aspects of this project.”

The MM mission statement says, “Empowering individuals and transforming communities through professionally led public art projects, with a focus on the underserved.”

Individual Empowerment: Mark Making invokes pride and self-esteem among participants, creating a sense of ownership and citizenship

Beautify Visual Landscapes: Mark Making improves less attractive areas, serving to stimulate community interaction and promote tourism

Visual Art Education: Mark Making teaches art as a problem solving skill: arranging lines, shapes, colors and textures until a desired outcome emerges

Teaching Opportunities: Mark Making provides area artists opportunities to teach and to experience public art collaborations

Learn more about Mark Making Chattanooga.