By Colin McGregor
For almost 30 years, the Café Graffiti has been a meeting place for youths who aspire to create their own art, be it graffiti, dance or poetry and writing. No artist’s portfolio is required: it is enough to want to try, to push forward, to persevere.
Many of the young people who have passed through our doors and who have participated in our workshops and exhibitions in the community have gone on to use their talents and become professional artists. Among these youths is Jaycy Denis, who at age 13 was the youngest art workshop facilitator in the history of the Café.
Jaycy is already a talented graffer who has been practicing his art for several years at the Café Graffiti.
Thanks to his talent for creating masterpieces in lickety-split record time, he’s represented the Café at festivals and workshops across Montréal. As a facilitator/teacher he’s made himself available to help for some of the 5,000 young people who participate in our graffiti creation happenings each year. Be it on a trucker’s hat, a canvas or paper, Jaycy’s art is distinguishable by its clarity and its vigor. It is in your face!
“I like making graffiti art, realistic drawings and everything there is to do in the arts” he says. And he has a safe place to do his art: “The Café Graffiti has helped me gain self-confidence, and make more friends, because they see what I’m doing and they like that.”
For Jaycy, the Café isn’t just a place to do graffiti. “For me, it’s like a second family, it’s like a place where I can talk about myself and my emotions without any limits.”
Naturally an anxious person, art helps Jaycy with his self-management: “I can say I feel better in my skin and that a lot of my stress has been lifted off my shoulders, which has done me a lot of good.”
Last year, his community involvement was recognized during the Prix Leviers in Quebec City. This annual gala recognizes youths who have become involved in their community and overcome obstacles. This event is organized by ROCAJQ, the association of autonomous youth organizations of Quebec.
For Jaycy, his helpful nature comes to the forefront when he works with others. He gets great pleasure in seeing his talents – as well as those of others – recognized. The Prix Leviers gala was a great source of joy for him, as he went to the National Assembly with other award winners.
As he says himself: “The Prix Leviers can be a source of motivation for youths because it shows them that they can always persevere without giving up.”
This major event aims to celebrate the personal growth, self-improvement, and social contributions of these inspiring young people — those who demonstrate resilience. The work done by youth community organizations is also highlighted. Over the years, more than 280 young people have received this prestigious recognition!
Jaycy Denis is part of a long list of artists who have worked on their talent at the Café. And given his young age, he is without a doubt one of the most remarkable! The wings he has sprouted have allowed him to fly high.
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