Co-Founders:  

Tim White, Executive Director 

David “D.” Banfield, Creative Director 

Mission 

Our mission is to transform school landscapes from mundane environments to ones of color, art and 

education by way of engaging individuals in service.  

Vision 

We envision communities being aesthetically enhanced through artistic expression that embraces 

culture, individuality and pride for ones community; ultimately proffering an ownership and respect 

for ones’ surroundings.  

Our Values 

We hold open lines of communication and respect as the pinnacle of professional behavior. No goal 

or idea is too small to entertain as it is this profundity of the human mind that we employ in our 

work. Our images encapsulate the essence of the environments in which they are created. Our 

community partners and volunteers are the sole beneficiaries and therefore the focus of our work.  

Our Motivation  

Of the 126 schools in New Orleans only 16 were relatively unscathed by Hurricane Katrina; 81 of 

which are operation today in either new buildings or “modular campuses”, essentially white trailers on 

gray gravel, surrounded by chain link fences. This fact has put the youth of New Orleans in a 

situation of peril. The ideal educational environment, one full of imagination, creativity and the 

freedom to pursue academic goals has been swept away. 

From this bleak reality one can only surmise that generations to come will be forced to learn in this 

situation. Tim White and artist D. Banfield have set out to change this fact. Crescent City Art 

Project believes in the transformational value of adding art to these places of education. The images 

painted by volunteers reintroduce the young mind to the possibilities beyond the trailers and chain 

link. Kelly Batiste, of Fannie C. Williams Elementary, spoke to the work of D. (Creative Director of 

Crescent City Art Project), “The kids are inspired by his artwork. They are all interested in 

becoming artists now.”  This is proof that a single day of volunteering can add beauty, character and 

depth for years to come.