What is Art?

I have no idea who decides what art is.  Can anyone be an artist?  Does your first grade finger painting qualify as art?  No matter who or what art is, I strongly believe that everyone should have a chance to find out for themselves through exploration.

Yesterday I sat down with Megan McClain Kwacz from Peace of the City.  She is the Creative Arts Director at Peace and is helping to expose kids to the arts through hands on creative exercises.

Right now she is mainly working with 11-16 year olds in a program she calls, “Eyes Wide Open.” This program works to expose kids to arts in the real world like jewelry design, graphic design, print making, theater, music, writing, etc.  There’s even talks of working with local business owners to hopefully start some sort of business that sells the art the kids produce.

Megan hopes that exposing this group of kids to the arts in the real world will leave a lasting impression on them and encourage them to pursue the arts through high school and hopefully even college.

Right now, Megan is looking for working artists to assist her with developing programs and activities for her group of kids.  At Block Club, we’re looking forward to developing some sort of Graphic Design and Print Making program with Peace of the City and we’re asking fellow working artists and designers to extend a helping hand.  Think back to what it was that first got you involved in art and design and how different your life may be if you had never had such an opportunity.

If you’re interested in getting involved with Peace of the City, email or give her a call at 716.829.9764.

Posted by on 10/12 at 10:46 AM