About ASKEW
Our Mission:
To employ artistic expression through the medium of mosaic tile to
teach and inspire inner-city youth to communicate themselves and their
culture, develop self-confidence, enhance neighborhoods and turn
learned skills into economic benefit. 
Askew promotes the art of San Antonio's inner-city youth. The program provides training to high school students in the design and creation of mosaic tile. Not only does the program give young artists an opportunity to create and sell their own work, but it provides a creative, educational and extremely fun environment for young people to interact. The program is designed to give the students a clear understanding of the business aspects and economic benefits of the art world. Once trained, Askew participants will be invited to participate in the creation of community art projects for which they may receive compensation.
Students learn the value of preserving the authenticity and personality of San Antonio. Askew encourages cultural expression through public art projects that help to revitalize inner-city neighborhoods. We do this to develop teenagers into socially responsible, civic minded artists.
Our Staff:
Colleen Sorenson Frost, Founder
Colleen has been a professional artist for more than ten years. Currently, she operates a studio where she focuses her artistic endeavors in the medium of mosaic tile. In February 2003, fulfilling her long held desire to help young artists develop the artistic and economic skills needed to become successful artists, Colleen opened Askew a design studio for urban youth. Her husband, Tom Frost is the Secretary/Treasurer of Askew. His music can be purchased through Kerrvile Acoustic Music Productions.
Roland Mazuca, Executive Director
Ceramic artist and arts administrator, Roland Mazuca is the new Executive Director
of Askew, a design studio for urban youth. Joining the non-profit
organization in August 2006, Mr. Mazuca had been employed at the Carver Community Cultural
Center for twenty years as artist-in-residence. During his tenure at the Carver, he established
the Carver's ceramic program, served as curator of the Carver gallery and, most recently,
served as the director of education. He holds a BFA from the University of Texas in Austin
and is a practicing ceramic artist who exhibits his artwork locally.
Mr. Mazuca is pleased to mentor young artists from various communities and backgrounds and to accept all the challenges and opportunities involved in growing an organization like Askew.
Rosalynn Warren, Studio Director
Rosalynn was one of Askew's
first UTSA
college interns from the College of Business, assisting us in the development
of the infrastructure and marketing materials needed to support Askew's
students, management and marketing functions.
Rosalynn's desire to assist young artists goes back to her experience
with Junior Achievement of South Texas. With the Junior Achievement
program, she helped high school students develop and improve problem
solving and interpersonal skills. She has also developed a strong interest
in the tile medium and its varied techniques.
Rosalynn honed her management and marketing skills serving as Editor and Director of the Study Breaks Magazine; a student produced periodical targeting UTSA students. She has demonstrated her ability to speak to her audience and manage a profitable small business. She also has eight years experience of customer service.
As Studio Director of Askew Rosalynn assisted in our first Contemporary Arts Month (CAM) show held at the Navarro House in July of 2004 with The Carver and San Anto. She was also instrumental in ASKEW's first showing at Blue Star Art Space.
Roz earned a Bachelor of Business Degree in August of 2004 from UTSA with a concentration in Small Business and Entrepreneurship and a 4.0 average in her major.
Board of Directors
- Julius Gribou, Ph.D
- Theresa Vargas Wyatt
- Glenn Faulk
- Isabel Romero
- Marsha Krassner
- Tom Frost III
- Milton Guess
- Victor Zarazua
- Sonya E. Medina
Partnerships:
Askew has partnered with UTSA to provide educational opportunities for young artists including workshops focusing on college preparation, financial aid, resume building, financial and economic principles, taxes, and city government operations.
Media:
Robert Tatum designed the askew logo. Adam Johnson designed and maintains the Askew web site.