Foothills Art Center will host opening reception
Student artwork will be for sale
Teen artists create abstract paintings
"Art for arts's sake" is a standard designation for one of the revolutionary 20th Century movements which rejected Realism. Exultantly freed from the realist code that dominated the academies and museums, "Modern" artist enjoyed complete freedom from painting "real" things. That freedom enraged some traditionalists. Since the artists didn't have to paint easily recognizable subjects, they could be personal, abstract and spontaneous: Art for Art's Sake.
About two and a half years ago, master artist and teacher Steve Tracy was teaching adult painting classes at Foothills Art Center in Golden. The classes were extremely popular because of Steve's charisma and ability to identify with the technical problems of the students as well as some personal issues.
Steve and Janine Sturdavant, who is a geologist and community leader in Golden, were discussing the joy expressed by his students. Students found his easy rapport and non-judgmental approach enabled students to take risks that resulted in dramatic changes in their work.
Sturdavant and Tracy decided to use the same teaching methods in an ambitious drive to motivate troubled teenagers - kids with demons to conquer and negative behaviors to overcome.
Art for Art Reaching Kids was born, a nonprofit spearheaded by Tracy and Sturdavant. Generously sponsored by the B&E Collins Foundation, the format is three weeks of intensive painting in gallery and studio classrooms to troubled teens. It includes free house paint, big canvases and easels and exposure to Modernism via painting hung on studio walls .
The program concludes with a full-fledged opening reception with food, flowers and excitement. The kids bring their families and friends. Throughout the project ,100 percent of the kids' painting have sold.
The innovative measures of ARK include the freedom the kids feel to express their dreams, terrors and fantasies in mostly abstract images.
During the experience of being the stars of their exhibition opening, a cow bell is rung every time a painting sells.
Sometimes kids who enter the program with resentment or indifference produce the most dynamic work.
The public reaction has been ebullient. At the reception, students talk with donors, career artists and art lovers who are excited to see something new.
Noah's Ark was a safe haven in disastrous time. In our perilous times, ARK, a citizens intitiative, can rescue some troubled teens by offering change self-esteem, individuality and a focus for their lives.
An opening reception and sale of ARK members' painting will be held at Foothills Art Center at the Foothills II building, 1510 Washington St., Normal0
Normal0Oct. 27 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Call 303-279-3922 for more information.
Carol Dickinson is the former director of FAC.