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Special Opportunity for Teens
Kerry James Marshall: Rythm Mastr Project

The Wexner Center for the Arts is looking for youths ages 15-18 interested in working with artist-in-residence Kerry James Marshall. Selected students will have the opportunity to work closely with this artist to bring his story, Rythm Mastr, to life in the Wexner Center galleries using the traditional Japanese art form of Bunraku puppetry. Rythm Mastr tells a tale of urban life using African American superheroes. Students will rehearse November 2007 to January 2008 and perform publicly February 2008. Students will be paid a fee for their participation. No performing arts experience is necessary, just a commitment to excellence and a desire to succeed.

Please contact kmeyer@wexarts.org or call 614-292-4614 for more information about the opportunity and selection process.

This opportunity will enable students from diverse backgrounds to come together and explore the professional aspects of contemporary art production. In working with Kerry James Marshall, they will gain firsthand familiarity with an artist who has met with artistic success and impacts communities with his work.

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About Kerry James Marshall

A painter, photographer, master draftsman, video maker, and sculptor, Kerry James Marshall explores contemporary political realities of life in urban America. His work is based on a broad range of art historical references, from European Renaissance painting to 20th century folk art, and from 16th-century Spanish painter El Greco to 20th-century African American artist Charles White. Marshall believes that art must earn the attention of its audience, and he creates work that is both visually stunning and socially engaged. Marshall lives and works in Chicago, but he will be visiting Columbus for the duration of his artist residency.

What is Rythm Mastr?

Rythm Mastr A Super Hero Tale is an epic story of vengeance and redemption, myth and reality, the past, the future, love and loss set against the backdrop of millennial anxiety and urban decay. Kerry James Marshall has, to date, told this story in comic book and exhibition installation form. He now wants to animate the story using Bunraku puppets and eventually intends to create a feature film with Rythm Mastr.

The story begins when brilliant young science whiz Stasha and her boyfriend, Farell, are separated during a gang-related gun battle. Stasha is shot and in order to plot revenge applies her knowledge of computers and robotics to create remote-control cars for use in retaliatory drive-bys. Meanwhile, Farell escapes the bullets by ducking into a nearby museum of Ancient Egyptian art. Once inside, he encounters the Rythm Mastr, an old man who uses traditional drumming to bring the African statues to life. He teaches Farell his secrets, and when he dies, Farell takes on the superhero’s role and name. Stasha and Farrell later cross paths with their newly conflicting perspectives, leading to a stirring finale.

As part of his residency at the Wexner Center, Kerry James Marshall would like to give Columbus youths the chance to learn the tradition and discipline of Bunraku, bring this art form into modern context, and animate his Rythm Mastr story with his sculptures in the galleries.

Who will benefit from this opportunity?

In this collaboration with Kerry James Marshall, we are seeking young people who wish to explore their potential for excellence and who may or may not have had previous interest in or participation with school based arts activities. Students must have an interest in exploring the story of the Rythm Mastr and in taking advantage of the unique opportunity of working with an artist of achievement such as Marshall. Students ages 15–18 are invited to enter the admission process for the project. No performing or visual arts experience is necessary. Students who submit an application for admission must have carefully examined the time commitments necessary for the project.

What is the admission process?

Students of all interests and backgrounds—remember, no performance or visual arts experience is required—are invited to submit an application by September 21, 2007. Select students who have submitted applications will be invited to attend a casting call in late September 2007. At the casting call, students will participate in a series of individual and team-oriented challenges that will provide everyone an equal opportunity to showcase natural talents and abilities, focus, and commitment. Remember, no experience is necessary but students invited to attend the casting call should come focused and committed to succeed.

Students who submit applications to attend the casting call should have the following characteristics:

  • Ability to collaborate and work in groups
  • Willingness to rise to challenging expectations
  • Commitment to putting in the time and effort required to fulfill the Rythm Mastr project


    • The 16-20 students who rise to the challenge will be chosen to join the Rythm Mastr project.

    What is the commitment?

    Students who submit applications for the Rythm Mastr project will be asked to commit to a full schedule of rehearsals and public performances (dates below). Between November 2, 2007 and February 3, 2008, they will be expected to attend each scheduled meeting, rehearsal, and performance. All rehearsals and meetings will take place outside of regular school hours during the week, but students will have to carefully schedule their after-school activities to attend all meetings. They will also be responsible for their own transportation to and from the rehearsals and performances. Students must be willing to ride the bus if they don't have access to transportation by car. Financial assistance in the form of parking passes or bus passes will be provided by the Wexner Center.

    Dates are as follows:

  • One weekend retreat at the Hampton Inn and Suites in the Short North arts district of Columbus spanning Friday evening, November 2 through Sunday afternoon, November 4, 2007. Meals and room charges will be covered by the Wexner Center.
  • Twenty-seven 3-hour rehearsals, taking place Mondays from 4 pm-7 pm and Saturday mornings/early afternoons (dinner and lunch provided) from November 2, 2007 – January 18, 2008. Rehearsals are scheduled for every day after school and on the weekends during the two weeks prior to the opening on February 2nd, 2008. January 19 – February 1)

  • Three or four 3-hour performance times (including set up and clean up time), scheduled for the weekend of the opening February 2-4, 2008.


    • Students will receive Wexner Center staff support throughout the project to help solve transportation issues, schedule conflicts, and make attending each rehearsal possible and enjoyable.

    Aside from the valuable experience, how are participants reimbursed for their time?

    The Rythm Mastr project is both an extensive and professional commitment. Students who complete their obligation to the project in full will receive an artist’s fee of $1,000 for their participation. They will also receive meals during rehearsal times and transportation assistance. And they will be treated to hotel room fees and meals during the weekend retreat in the Short North November 2-4, 2007.

    Who should know about this opportunity?

    We are looking to teachers, principals, parents and other teen care providers to help encourage students who would benefit from this unique and rigorous experience and rise to the occasion of professional expectations. Students in this age range can often use a nudge to consider new ideas or unusual opportunities!

    If you have contact with a group of teens that you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Kendra Meyer at 292-4614 or kmeyer@wexarts.org to arrange a short visit to your site or a trip to the Wexner Center. Students should contact Wexner Center staff on their own behalf as well.

    Questions? Call us at 614-292-4614 or kmeyer@wexarts.org