‘Warhol and Watts’: Students take on Pop art

Anthony Dixon’s contribution to Pharmaka’s “Warhol and Watts” exhibit featuring the works of Pop art icon Andy Warhol and Watts elementary school kids. The project came about through a partnership between youth organization Urban Compass, Pharmaka and investment banker-turned-art collector Richard Weisman. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Emely Garcia is pretty in pinks. Using photographs of themselves, the students created the effect of Warhol’s silk-screens of various pop culture images and icons by applying bright-colored paints to the photos. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Alfredo Ramirez shows his soccer spirit. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Cristal Garcia in red and blue. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Anthony Dixon is hard at work on his Warhol-inspired painting at Urban Compass’ after-school program. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Isah Hill works on her design. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Sarah Erker acquaints Airiana Henderson to some of Warhol’s silk-screen style paintings at the Urban Compass after-school program at Verbum Dei High School. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Cagney Johnson works on her painting. Says artist Rachel Breithaupt, who provided some guidance: “I wanted to keep it loosely attached to Warhol, but I was more interested in the process itself. I really just want to get the kids exposed to the arts.” (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Anthony Dixon cleans his brushes. Founded in 2004, Urban Compass brings kids from the nearby 112th Street Elementary School and other underserved areas to Verbum Dei for after-school programs; the group also sponsors field trips, a filmmaking workshop and a summer camp program. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Ashley Sotelo, from left, Airiana Henderson and Emely Garcia pick their favorite Warhol style to copy. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Emely Garcia adds bright colors to her design. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)