art-public1

public art 1

In 1991 and 1992 I created and organized two public art projects in Seattle that focused on children. This and the next page describe them.
A. In Public: Seattle 1991	a
Overview	a
I was one of 25 national and international artists chosen to participate in a public art event called "In Public: Seattle 1991". My project dealt with children and some of the agencies who work for their benefit. The idea of art being seen as a verb was the core of the project. I hoped to convey the thought of the artist being a creative, involved member of the community. Outcome	"Great Kids' Art " Pacific Arts Center

I acted as Artist-in-Residence at Yesler Community Center in Seattle and developed an arts program for the children there. I worked with kids from Big Brothers of King County. The artwork from these programs was exhibited at the Pacific Arts Center and the Children's Museum. Most of the pieces sold and the proceeds went directly to the children and their families.

Project money was used for clotheslines of new children's clothing that were installed at two Seattle Public Libraries and the Children's Museum. Neighborhood House (an organization who works with low-income families) distributed the clothes to kids in the Yesler area just prior to the new school year.

The children and I did a video of them telling stories and jokes titled, "Can a Hamburger Marry a Hot-dog?". Finally, some money was donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation as part of the project.

Our project received a great deal of positive attention from the media which was beneficial for the children and the organizations involved.

Continue to Public Art 2 >

"Turtlemaster"
Jamel Clewis (7)

(Click on image for larger version)