Archive for the ‘Our Programs’ Category

Change through art.

Monday, January 11th, 2010

“All meaningful and lasting change starts first in your imagination and then works its way out. Imagination is more important than knowledge.” – Albert Einstein

That’s what we do. ART 180 uses the talents of many Richmond painters, crafters, musicians, photographers, writers, and dancers to change the lives of student in Richmond Public Schools by providing the children with the possibility to imagine something different. ART 180 believes that these young people are transformed by the power of self-expression and the ability to communicate their own ideas. Our Program Leaders instruct the local youth on how to produce art with a certain medium, like printmaking or puppetry. Throughout the process, the children are encouraged to use their imagination to convey their own thoughts and emotions through this newly learned medium, and once they have given a voice to their ideas, ART 180 provides the platform for them to be heard. This week, that platform is Open Studio.

We had 14 amazing programs in the fall of 2009 and what the youth have come up with is impressive: dance, prose, photography, and a mixed media tapestry! There are three opportunities (see the schedule below) to see what these kids are saying. Come, listen/see/experience, and see what these kids’ imaginations can teach you.

Tuesday, January 12, at 6 pm
Gallery5 • 200 W. Marshall St. • (804) 644-0005
(in Jackson Ward between Adams & Madison)
Comics by Friends Association for Children
Mural by Henderson Middle School/
Communities In Schools of Richmond
Mixed media tapestry by Southside Boys & Girls Club
Prints by St. Andrew’s School

Wednesday, January 13, at 6 pm
The Robinson Theater • 2903 Q St. • (804) 562-9133
(in Church Hill at 29th Street)
Music by I Have a Dream–Richmond at
Broad Rock Elementary School
Writing by Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School/
Communities In Schools of Richmond
Drumming and dancing by The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club
Theater by Youth Life Foundation of Richmond

Thursday, January 14, at 6 pm
Sacred Heart Center • 1400 Perry St. • (804) 230-4399
(in Manchester between Commerce & Cowardin/Jeff Davis Highway)
Photographs by Boushall Middle School/
Communities In Schools of Richmond
Mixed media quilt by Elkhardt Middle School/
Communities In Schools of Richmond
Puppets by Elkhardt Middle School/
Communities In Schools of Richmond
Sculpture by Southwood Boys & Girls Club

Our program at Broad Rock Elementary

Friday, October 16th, 2009

I just came back from Broad Rock Elementary where we have a songwriting program led by local musician Maurice Jackson of  Photosynthesizers. Assisting Maurice are Josh Scolaro (from this summer’s drumming program at Charity Family Life) and Qasarah Bey (who is new to ART 180, but brings with her experience and insight). The 5th graders have participated in various ART 180 programs since 2nd Grade through the I have a Dream Foundation’s Program in Richmond.

Here is a clip of Ahmir Moore performing for his classmates.

Our Program at Henderson Middle School

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Yesterday, I was able to check out the paintings being done by young artists at Henderson Middle School. So far, they are quite impressive, but that’s not surprising with a program being led by the experienced Thomas Van Auken. On top of that, the artists receive tremendous support by Yewande Lewis, the program assistant at this site. Yewande is no stranger to ART 180 either, having served as a SOHO mentor last year and joining out Program Committee this fall. This work will be on display as part of our open studio series in January. See you there!