Karl Needs a Ride

Karl is a twenty-three-year-old self-taught artist from Haiti. While in Haiti, Karl took care of his younger sister for ten years while his parents were here in the US preparing for the children to join them. Karl and his sister arrived in Boston five years ago and attended The Newcomer’s Academy in Dorchester. He is now a student at Mass College of Art and Design.

Karl continues to support and take care of his younger sister and they have moved into their own apartment together.

Since January of 2020, Karl has been volunteering at the Perry School, mentoring students on various aspects of art, particularly sketching portraits. He takes the MBTA to JFK station and walks the mile and a half to and from our school regardless of the weather. As the art teacher at the Perry, and Karl’s main contact here, I can say without hesitation that his determination and work ethic directly translates into his efforts with my students. They don’t often get a chance to see someone, who not only looks like them but is also young in appearance, have a specific talent in the arts which he or she is willing to share wholeheartedly and joyfully. I can only surmise that while Karl may be young, his experiences have given him a maturity beyond his years which creates an air of empathy and wisdom.

And yet, his challenges continue. While working towards his driver's license, Karl had saved for and purchased a car. Unfortunately, the car was hit while parked and the driver left the scene. Karl had been planning to use the car to drive to work in Norwood from Quincy. He now continues to depend on friends to get him to work as the only other option, Uber, is too expensive.

To make things even more complicated, Karl has been a victim of identity fraud and has been left in financial trouble. Because this contributed to an outstanding balance at Mass College of Art, he hasn’t been able to attend classes. And yet Karl has experienced far worse in life and remains hopeful that a solution will be found.

It is my goal to help Karl obtain a used car and resume classes in the spring. This young man has come such a long way and anyone knowing his story would applaud his achievements to date and be satisfied with them. But this isn’t just any young man. He has a long, long way to go before he rests. And we are sure to all be the beneficiaries of such grace and grit.

https://www.bpsarts.org/artist-spotlight.html

Any help is greatly appreciated!