Wow, what an event last Thursday night. The event space at Plant Zero was packed with ART 180 enthusiasts who came out to bid on beautiful artwork, stunning jewelry, and other spectacular items from local artists and entrepreneurs. DJs Carlito and Greybread from WRIR kept a groove going through the party, while sounds of clinking Karmatini classes and “oohs” and “ahhs” of excitement came from bidders around the room. There was a spread of mouth-watering homemade pasta salads, delicious baked goods (Did you try the Sour Cream Pound Cake? It was INCREDIBLE!) and a tortilla bar donated by friends of ART 180.
Thanks to everyone who provided the yummy eats!
Drinks are served!
Art projects were in the works that the kid’s craft table.
Imagination soars!
VCU TV/HD's video was shown.
The Plant Zero’s halls were filled with quotes and pictures of the kids in our program.
Even if you didn’t bid on anything, you probably left with something pretty incredible. Not only did everyone receive good karma for supporting ART 180, they also picked up the first issue of Q, a quarterly publication “dedicated to the wisdom of wondering.” In each issue ART 180 will be talking to people about one of the values that are the life-blood of ART 180. What are those values you might be asking? We believe in children, communication, creative expression, compassion, community and change.
That last one is a big word these days. We heard repeatedly from the most recently elected president how he was going to make changes in our nation and lots of people are making little changes in their daily lives to become more environmentally friendly. These transformations of thought and habit are driven by people who believe their actions are powerful enough to make a difference.
As our website states, “we embrace change as a gift that empowers young people to transform our world through creative expression. It provides opportunities to be passionately engaged in a natural process of learning, challenging complacency and discovering opportunities to live a meaningful life.” Without change, we don’t move ourselves or our community forward.
But, how does change actually happen? What does it take to actually make change? Can art create change? That’s what is addressed in this first issue of Q.
We interviewed six artists and six people who all believe that art can make change. You’ll have to get your hands on a copy of Q to find out what they said.
But, we want to know what you think:
Can art create change?
Send us your artwork, prose, lyrics or scribbles. You can post it here in the comments section of the blog, or if you’d like to send us a picture of your answer email us at 180@art180.org (please put ‘Answer to Change’ in the subject line of the email
As 180 donor Aimme Koch said:
“Art can make change if you make art.”
We can’t wait to see what you’ve got!
