On Friday, May 11 Art House, Inc. held the 16th Annual Urban Bright Exhibition. This exhibition displayed the artistic works of the Cleveland School students who participated in the 2017-2018 Urban Bright Programs.
High school students from John Marshall created paintings depicting their ideas about how biomimicry can improve our lives; i.e., borrowing from nature to improve our human condition and consider new ways of living. The exhibition included postcard collages created by Luther Memorial Elementary students; Cyanotype prints made by residents of the Old Brooklyn Community; the printmaking skills, Diptychs and collages of Dennison Elementary students; Silk Paintings using a wax resist technique presented by Stockyard Elementary students as well as sculptures of local birds created by students from Wilbur Wright Elementary.
Thanks to the visiting artists who introduced new techniques and taught art fundamentals to students, giving them an opportunity to experience art in new ways; some for the first time! Visiting artists talked about the power of art for these students; how, in one instance, it calmed a frustrated and upset teen; how these programs replace school art programs that have been diminished over time due to lack of funding. One student learned about the fundamentals of color – how red and yellow combine to make orange.
I am so impressed with the opportunities Urban Bright gives to these students. Introduction to art can change a young person’s life in an instant. A teacher can help to unlock creativity in a student who may not have known they even had a desire to create.
At the Family Open Studio held on Saturday May 19, our first guest arrived early. This young boy’s focus and excitement were a thrill to watch as he literally marched in and headed straight to the art supplies table. He couldn’t wait to start!!
Opening the eyes of a child to the possibilities of creativity is one of the reasons Art House is so important in this community. Art House provides a place for the community to gather and participate in and learn about art. The power of art is alive in Art House!