As the school year winds down, John Dewey High School continues its tradition of celebrating student achievement—whether it’s the Girls Lacrosse team success, Robotics championships, or the cultural brilliance of International Night. This spring, however, the spotlight shifts to the visual arts in a powerful way.
In partnership with Smack Mellon’s Art Ready program, four Dewey students: junior Diana Martinez-Lozada, and seniors Sophia Nikishova, Eric Huang, and Joshua Muentes participated in a prestigious artist mentorship initiative that pairs aspiring creatives with professional artists across disciplines like photography, graphic design, painting, sculpture, textile, and video. The program culminated in an exhibition, Art Ready: Selected Work from the Artist Mentorship Program, held from May 21–25, 2025.
This gallery showcased a wide range of media—including paintings, drawings, posters, apparel, and sculpture—giving students the chance to present their work in a professional setting and take tangible steps toward a future in the arts.
In the midst of the diverse and compelling works showcased in the exhibition, one senior’s artistry truly stands apart.
Joshua Muentes, a dedicated and innovative creator, captures an unmistakable voice through his work—one that reflects both technical skill and a deep personal vision. As we delve into his creative process and inspirations, his story offers a window into the transformative power of the Artist Mentorship Program, and how it is shaping the future of emerging artists at John Dewey High School.
Muentes first learned about the Smack Mellon Artist Mentorship Program during an on-campus assembly held for Dewey art students. A representative from the program visited John Dewey High School to speak about Art Ready and the opportunities it offers to aspiring artists across New York City.
Intrigued by the program’s mission and inspired by the presentation, Joshua applied immediately. Despite knowing how competitive the selection process can be, he submitted his application without high expectations—only to be thrilled when he was accepted. His journey with Art Ready officially began in early October, marking the start of a transformative experience in his final year of high school.
Muentes’ application didn’t go unnoticed—he was recommended for the program by his art teachers, Ms. Escalera and Ms. Woods, who recognized his dedication and potential. Once accepted, he joined a community of young artists from different schools across the city, working side by side with professional mentors in a collaborative and inspiring environment. These mentors acted as guiding figures, helping students navigate their creative processes and refine their artistic voices.
“It was cool, interesting and honestly not as intimidating as I thought it would be originally. I was pretty scared,” he truthfully says. Surrounded by peers who seemed to have their priorities and skill sets figured out, Muentes initially felt a sense of unease. “Over time, I learned that [my peers] are just normal people, even if they have that professional image,” he adds on.
Eventually, Muentes found that the program offered more than just artistic instruction—it became a space for personal growth and creative discovery. Immersed in a wide range of expressive practices, he learned not only about his own capabilities but also about how expansive the world of art can be. “It’s hard to specify,” he pinpoints, reflecting on just how much the experience has taught him.
While many expect art programs to focus strictly on drawing or painting, Muentes’ journey introduced him to entirely new mediums. From sewing to glass-making, he explored hands-on techniques that pushed him beyond his comfort zone and expanded his creative perspective.
His final piece was titled, “Fabrics of Becoming.” The exhibition was deeply personal, shaped by the influence of his assigned mentor, Angelica Maria Millán Lozano—a mixed media artist known for her work with tapestry and clothing. Her unique approach to materials helped Joshua envision a new direction for his own art. Inspired by her process, he began to think beyond traditional mediums.
A mixed media piece created by Joshua Muentes, made from repurposed black denim and decorated with personal mementos.
“First I started off using my own clothing, cutting and sewing up into almost like a canvas,” he explains. The tactile, hands-on process became a reflection of his personal world. As the piece evolved, he decided to expand it even further. “Eventually, I wanted to bring together items that I got from friends and reminded me of certain things,” he says.
The final work became a tribute to friendship—a layered, textured collage of materials and memories that captured not only his creative growth, but also the people who have shaped his life.
For Muentes, the mentorship program offered a creative freedom unlike anything he’d experienced in a traditional classroom setting. “Being surrounded by so much creativity puts me in the mood to be more creative,” he shares. Unlike school assignments—often structured with specific rules and expectations—the program gave him room to explore his own ideas without restriction.
In this environment, art wasn’t just about completing a task; it was about discovery, expression, and growth. For the first time, Joshua felt what it meant to be treated like an artist by professionals who live and breathe the work. “It felt real. Like I was an artist with them,” he says, reflecting on how the experience redefined his relationship with art and inspired him to take himself—and his creative voice—more seriously.
Balancing the demands of the program with everyday life wasn’t always easy. “It was kind of stressful,” Muentes admits. “Even though it was one day a week, I had to go every Wednesday and be in DUMBO at 4 [p.m.]. I had to leave straight after school all the time on Wednesdays, and I’d be back home by like 9 [p.m.], so it took almost my whole day.”
As the final deadline approached, the pressure began to build. Managing the project—while juggling schoolwork and other personal responsibilities—became increasingly challenging. “That took a big part,” Muentes reflects, explaining how making sure everything was perfect toward the end added to the intensity of the experience.
Looking back, Muentes believes the challenges were all part of the journey. “Now it’s over, and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity. It really changed me as a person, in the corniest way possible too,” he reflects with a smile.
As Muentes prepares to close out his senior year, his experience with the Artist Mentorship Program stands as a meaningful chapter—one that pushed him beyond comfort, deepened his identity as an artist, and left a lasting mark on both his craft and his confidence. It’s a reminder that growth often comes from stepping outside the classroom, embracing the unfamiliar, and allowing creativity to lead the way.
