ArtWorks at Access Gallery Launches Corporate Art Program
Teen artists in the ArtWorks program at Access Gallery have created an exhibition influenced by visual artists who utilize text as an art medium. “Use YOUR Words” also introduces a new corporate art service offered by Access Gallery by showcasing how business can commission teens to create custom artwork to convey the message of their organization.
According to the press release:
The “Use YOUR Words” exhibit is a culmination of the summer ArtWorks program for teens with and without disabilities. Our premise was simple: Use someone else’s words to create artwork. The purpose of the show is to sell the idea that these teens can be hired to create work for any style of professional office setting. The options range from zen-like decorative rock sculptures to graffiti murals to message related works like those in the show. It provides a cost effective, community-based way for businesses to liven up their workspace and feeds directly into the goal of the ArtWorks Program, which is to help teens develop solid, marketable job skills to help manage their disability or other challenges and become more self-sufficient.
First, the teens studied a variety of art styles, mediums, and master artists such as Mel Bochner, Jenny Holzer, Mark Bradford, Dan Miller and well known graffiti artists, who use text in their artwork. They were then paired with local professional artists to emulate that style by using the words of other people to create original pieces. Mediums include collage, photography, painting and printmaking with the help of Genghis Kern letterpress studio.
Show highlights include a two Mark Bradford inspired collage pieces utilizing existing collateral materials from two companies. A Mel Bochner type sense of humor can be seen in the “Innocent” painting, and one group was challenged to create emoticons using antique letterpress letters for the piece “OMG”.
“Use YOUR words” is on view through September 8, 2012
Meet the Artist Reception-August 17, 6- 8 pm
Closing Reception-September 7, 6 – 9 pm