BananaWORKS
Imagine taking eight inner-city youth from completely different backgrounds, putting them together with an adult artist they’ve never met and asking them to work together in the blazing, hot sun of June and July.
If it seems like a mix for disaster, you’re wrong. It’s actually a recipe for success in one of the most unique youth employment programs in the country.
BananaWORKS pairs young people with a Banana Factory artist to design, create and complete a public piece of art that goes on display in their community. Along the way, the youth also learn how to build a resume, go on a job interview and prepare for the working world. In the field, these young artists learn important job skills such as teamwork, respect, reporting to work on time and giving it their all throughout the week. The end result is a magnificent piece of art the whole community can enjoy.
BananaWORKS projects have been completed at the Lehigh Valley Velodrome, a LANTA bus station on Third Street in Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley International Airport, Yasko Park in Bethlehem, Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown and other locations. The program, which is put on in conjunction with the Private Industry Council of the Lehigh Valley, has benefited more than 150 young people since its inception.
BananaWORKS is made possible by the support of ArtsQuest Members.
To learn more & become a member, click here.
BananaWORKS Project History
- 1997
Banana Factory, Bethlehem – Mosaic Tile Mural - 1998
Lehigh Valley International Airport, Hanover Township – Relief Sculpture
Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown - Paintings - 1999
Yosko Park, Bethlehem – Landscaping and Beautification Project
Lehigh Valley Velodrome, Trexlertown - Mural - 2000
Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem - Mosaic Tile Mural - 2001
Former Asbury Graphite Building, Sand Island Park, Bethlehem – Mosaic Tile Mural - 2002
Banana Factory, Bethlehem – Mosaic Tile Mural
LANTA/Metro Bus Shelter, Third Street, Bethlehem - 2003
LANTA/Metro Guetter Street Transportation Center, Bethlehem - Sculpture
St. Luke’s Hospital, Allentown - Mural - 2004
Andrew Litzenberger House, Bethlehem - Mural
Penn State University, Fogelsville Campus – Mosaic Tile Mural - 2005
Cottingham Stadium, Easton – Mural
Penn State Corporate Learning Center, Bethlehem – Mosaic
Housing Authority, Monocacy Towers – Mural - 2006
Penn State University Bethlehem Business Campus - Mosaic
Housing Authority Majorie Fink Building, Marvine Village, Bethlehem - Mural
Cottingham Stadium, Easton - Mural
