'If only we could just be kids, but we can't': Student art project brings awareness to gun violence

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Gun violence is an issue impacting hometowns across the nation. Racine, Wisconsin, is no exception.

So far in 2023, 17 different people have been shot within 12 different shootings. Four of those resulted in homicides. The statistics aren't just numbers; they're mothers, fathers, cousins and friends. 

"I was just angry, tired, upset that so many of my students were victims of gun violence," said Stephen Quirke, an art specialist at Washington Park High School. "Either being on the sidelines or actually dying. I just got tired of it, and I was so angry, and I told my class that."

Instead of choosing to focus on negativity, Quirke and his students jumped into action, transforming a lesson plan into a community initiative.

"I was teaching them wire manipulation and then it became 'What can we put in this wire? How can this be more powerful than this?" Quirke said. "It became a case for change."

Using donated gun shell casings, students participating in the project turn what some consider a symbol of death and destruction into a masterpiece of beauty and inspiration. It's a project that has special meaning for junior Ariana Vaughn.

"I know two people that died from (gun violence)," Vaughn said. "I don't want to live that life. I don't want to be scared every day."

Freshmen Sage Hansen and Legend Malone echo that message.

"I've had many run-ins with gun violence," Hansen said. "The first time, I was just going to the beach. I was maybe four. It was life changing."

"I lost a couple family members from gun violence," Malone added.

Together, the students and their classmates have been manufacturing rings to sell with the proceeds benefitting Voices of Black Mothers United, an organization working to end violence in communities across the nation.

"Having the Students at Park High School show interest and support the upcoming Gun Violence Awareness Project is inspiring and a sign that we are making strides in the right direction as a community. I commend these young people for being a part of the change we want to see," said Nakeyda Haymer, state lead for VBMU. "Their actions help spread Voices Of Black Mothers United’s messages of hope and healing amongst those who have been impacted by violence. Creating a safer future starts with engaging our young people today. We are grateful for their work, generosity and leadership."

Leadership within the city is recognizing the efforts, too.

“Young people are the future. Having their voices heard, whether it’s through paintings or visual art or both to advocate public safety, matters. Having our youth expressing themselves through such a medium such as art is not only creative, but also impactful. It provides opportunities to learn from them and to bring awareness about vital issues that many young people have or may have experienced, and express toward their view of public safety," said Racine Assistant Police Chief Alex Ramirez. "Public safety covers a whole myriad of safety issues such as gun violence, violence against women, human trafficking, public trust, etc. Art is a certain and important way of voicing for public safety.”

With hopes to expand the project in the future, Quirke is proud of his students for the work they have done and the commitment they have shown to a cause close to their hearts.

"Students and kids are the best resources we have," Quirke said. "This isn't an anti-gun issue. It isn't a pro-gun issue. It's a 'we need you to stop shooting at our kids' issue. Everybody across the board agrees on that. I don't know anybody in America, who can be an American, and not believe we should stop shooting our kids."

As for the students; they're pretty proud of their work, too.

"Makes you feel special, a little bit," Malone said. "Not a lot of people be trying to make the world a better place."

"If only we could just be kids, but we can't," added Hansen.  "We may not be able to hit the voter polls, but we can hopefully cause some impact on them by doing projects like these in our schools and communities and other places."

The 'Orange Line' will be for sale at the Racine 'Put the Guns Down' event scheduled for June 2 at Monument Square.