Can art block the school to prison pipeline? We think it can. 

Iconoclast Artists is a growing community of young artists that provides unique support and encouragement for hundreds of under-served students within high schools, middle schools and juvenile detention centers.  With classroom instruction in creative writing and expression, Iconoclast Artists provides weekly academic, artistic, and social/emotional support to our students.

Founded in 2014 by Marlon Lizama and Matthew Russell, Iconoclast is cultivating a new imagination among the next generation of creators.  Iconoclast seeks to nurture improbable friendships that span the boundaries of race, religion, socio-economics and ethnicity, and to give the art that emerges a platform. By coming together to create, discuss ideas, and perform, we are building a brave space for Iconoclast's students and a new reality for Houston and Galveston.

Our Program Consists of:

Iconoclast Writing Program - The Iconoclast Writing Program is working with students in-school, after-school, and during summer school, in partnership within various Houston, Spring Branch, Aldine, and Galveston school districts.  Classes typically meet weekly and provide educational and artistic instruction, using original writing exercises and close readings of both classic and contemporary poets.

Iconoclast Sessions - The Iconoclast Sessions are quarterly performance gatherings free and open to the public that pair an academic poet with a spoken word poet. In addition to introducing our students to a wide variety of literary expressions, Iconoclast Sessions create a context where communities that would not otherwise meet can begin to build friendships.

Iconoclast Sessions 2 - Iconoclast Sessions 2 are gatherings totally devoted to student performances. Our students take the stage and deliver their poetry to a live audience.

Iconoclast Curriculums - The two Iconoclast Curriculums are innovative guides and writing exercises: one developed for the school systems and the other created for the broader community.  Iconoclast Curriculum: HISD meets requirements for public school testing prep and other lesson-planning checklists, while Iconoclast Curriculum: Community is designed to be immediately accessible to students and mentors who are hungry for independent study.

Iconoclast Anthology - Each year, Iconoclast publishes an anthology of poetry written by the students in our program. As published authors, these students not only have the opportunity to enhance their collegiate applications, but also to express their vision through a voice rooted in their own experience to a wide audience. Proceeds of the anthology go to the educational fund for Iconoclast students. The first anthology, They Say, was published in 2016 with new volumes published annually. In 2019, Iconoclast Artists also began publishing a Spanish Anthology entitled Ellos Dicen.

Social Emotional Learning - Iconoclast Artists has integrated Social Emotion Learning (SEL) within our writing curriculum, which is based on understanding brain function and creating new neural pathways for coping with emotions. Using mindfulness practices and exercises, our experienced professional work with our staff, students, teachers, and student leaders, both individually and within various specialized groups, in order to create social and emotional awareness, enhance psychological well-being, and promote academic success.

Iconoclast students also participate in TEDxYouth and in workshops at local colleges and universities.