As part of our ongoing partnership with Moleskine and the Moleskine Foundation, three NYC Salt alumni—Devin Osorio, BRONKS, and Ruben Dario Ramirez—were each invited to customize 64 Moleskine notebooks for a unique creative initiative. Moleskine is an important partner, supporting our mission through generous notebook donations and sponsorship. NYC Salt was also honored to be included in the first cohort of Creative Pioneers with the Moleskine Foundation.
We are especially grateful to Ward Simmons, President of North America for Moleskine, for initiating this collaboration and helping to bring our emerging artists and Moleskine together to support creative expression.
The Moleskine Foundation believes that “creativity is a transformative force for social change” and that “creative skills are essential for unlocking the potential of young people and communities.” Their mission—“Unlocking the creative potential of youth to transform themselves and their communities”—aligns deeply with NYC Salt’s vision to empower emerging artists.
In 2024, these hand-painted, limited-edition notebooks were showcased at Moleskine’s flagship store in Moynihan Train Hall, celebrating the intersection of heritage, place, and creativity.
Devin Osorio pays tribute to Dominican heritage with symbolic, shrine-like imagery rooted in Washington Heights.
BRONKS blends physical and digital techniques, drawing on his Puerto Rican roots and Bronx upbringing.
Ruben Dario Ramirez channels his love for Uptown New York into vibrant scenes of neighborhood life, from bodegas to barber shops.
This collaboration exemplifies the transformative power of creativity and the enduring impact of community-driven storytelling, echoing the Moleskine Foundation’s belief that “creativity is the key to building a better society.”
Devin osorio
Devin Osorio (1993) was part of NYC SALT's first cohort in 2005 in Washington Heights. They are a multi-disciplinary artist based in the Lower East Side, New York City.
Using shared and self-reflective symbolism, Osorio honors Dominican culture through shrine-like paintings that incorporate plants, animals, and glyphs to create a visual vernacular for the Dominican American community.
Osorio explores Washington Heights by contrasting the Wecquaesgeek people's traditional use of the area with modern Dominican culture. By blending the real with the fantastical, Osorio seeks to connect personal and community histories.
BRONKS
BRONKS, an artist influenced by the vibrant culture of the Bronx and New York City's street art, skillfully blends the physical and digital realms through his work.
Utilizing photographic techniques, 3D printing, and design, BRONKS crafts a unique artistic experience.
His journey began as a form of escapism during the pandemic shutdown, evolving into a passionate exploration of skills beyond his photography career. Drawing inspiration from his Puerto Rican heritage and Bronx upbringing, BRONKS seeks to merge physical and digital platforms, creating art that reflects his roots and contemporary influences.
RUBEN “DARIO” RAMIREZ
This project is my love letter to Uptown, the place where I grew up and where I get inspired by, every day.
I want to celebrate the beauty and culture of our communities, showing the spirit and joy of vibrant inner-city neighborhoods.
From Bodegas to Barber shops, sweet abuelas, and the savory smell of street empanadas - I want you to see Uptown how I see it- how our community sees it.
