The artistic talents of young Rhode Islanders are on display in the Second Annual Youth Art Exhibit, an exhibit of art work by young artists who are part of the AS220 Youth Studios. The work is on display now through January 28, 2012 at the Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill, a gallery space managed by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA).
The Youth Art Exhibit is part of the New Visions/New Curators Series. This program is designed to support the next generation of artists and curators, primarily from communities of color in Rhode Island. The program, administered by Elena Calderón Patiño, RISCA's Community Arts Program Director, offers mentorships and opportunities to organize, curate and develop exhibits by individuals in the Asian, African, Latino and Native communities during the Atrium Gallery season.
The current show is curated by Scott Lapham, Gianna Rodriguez, Jeremy Radtke, Gaby Molenado, Anjel Newman and Eamon Mahoney with assistance from young artists in the AS220 Youth Art Program.
Elena Calderón Patiño, RISCA's Community Arts Program Director, said, "we are thrilled that the AS220 Youth Studio is participating in the Atrium Gallery's 2012 New Visions/ New Curators Series. This program encourages the development of new curators and gallery directors from communities of color, it also provides mentorship and opportunities to curate and organize exhibits at the Atrium Gallery@ One Capitol Hill". The exhibit showcases a variety of work from painting to collage to photography. We hope people get a chance to view the exhibit of these wonderful young artists and curators."
Scott Lapham, one of the show's curators, said, "All of us here at AS220 Youth are excited to share with the wider community the extraordinary artwork our students have been producing over the last six months. From concept to creation to exhibition our students are taking ownership of their own creativity. Please join us at the Atrium Gallery as we celebrate our student's artwork in a show we are calling Think Make Do!"
The Atrium Gallery is located in One Capitol Hill, the state's main administration building, and is managed by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. It is open weekdays from 8:00am to 5:00pm, and closed on all State holidays. A reception and awards program for the artists will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2012 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm in the Atrium Gallery.
About the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders.
About the Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill
The Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill was developed to exhibit the work of Rhode Island artists in the State Capitol Complex. It hosts exhibits on a rotating basis, in partnership with several State Agencies & Organizations. The art gallery enhances Capitol Hill as a destination point for visitors, as well as for the many people who visit Administration offices or attend conferences at One Capitol Hill. It also enriches the work environment for the hundreds of state workers who spend their workdays in the building.
About the AS220 Youth Art Program
AS220 Youth is a free arts education program serving young people ages 14-21, with a special focus on those in the care and custody of the state. Its goal is to engage youth in a creative process that will lead to positive social, educational and vocational outcomes.