The songwriting fellows of “Portraits of Us” have spent the spring hard at work writing original “portrait songs,” commemorations of parents, teachers, and the people who shape our daily lives.

Created in partnership with ZUMIX and supported by a Neighborhood Activation Grant from the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, the workshop is the brainchild of composer and teaching artist J. Andrés Ballesteros and local musician Angelina Botticelli.

Ballesteros has a long history of blending different artistic mediums and music genres with issues of social justice. A former teacher at Boston Arts Academy (BAA), he frequently collaborates with youth and community members to write music that touches on themes of immigration, climate justice, and more.

“This project is about recognizing the people who show up for us every day,” said Ballesteros. “My song about an ESL teacher in East Boston, for example, got me to really think about how we can be intentional in building community. It has been an honor to work with Angelina and this group of talented youth as they write their own portrait songs.”

Ballesteros added that many people in the neighborhood have an incredible impact on those around them, but much of their work is invisible or goes uncelebrated.

“A parent who creates little moments of joy through baked goods for those with complex allergies, a teacher who helps a student feel seen, a friend who makes your life better,” he said. “Even if these actions might seem small, I think it’s important to commemorate these everyday heroes, because most of life is made up of little moments like these.”

The workshop’s fellows include local musicians Shea William Kelly, 14, and Hudson Urasaki, 16, alongside other young artists from across the region, to celebrate the everyday heroes of East Boston and beyond.

“Community can be a lifeline in times of sorrow and a path to times of joy,” said fellow Emma Adeniji, 20.

On May 30, “Portraits of Us” will hold its capstone event, including performances of the fellows’ original songs. The event will be hosted at ZUMIX and emphasizes community participation, storytelling, and intergenerational collaboration.

At 11 a.m., attendees will learn and participate in a community sing of original songs written by Ballesteros and Botticelli. Lunch provided, no prior musical experience required.  Following at 1 p.m., there will be performances of the fellows’ portrait songs and by the ZUMIX Streetwise ensemble.

This event is free to attend, but registration is required. Donations to the “Portraits of Us” workshop can be made via Venmo with the message “Portraits.” Proceeds will be distributed among the participating songwriters, youth included.