Friday, January 23rd, 2009 | Author: Nathan Vonk
It’s going to be a busy night. Shortly after publishing the post about the Rumble Art Fair I got this message in my inbox:
THE ARTS FUND IN COLLABORATION WITH
THE PATRICIA HENLEY FOUNDATION
EXHIBITS AEROSOL ARTISTS
Against the Wall: Layers Revealed
January 23 – March 6
Reception: Friday, January 23rd, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
At
The Arts Fund
205C Santa Barbara Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
This is a ground breaking exhibit for Santa Barbara that is not to be missed. For the past 2 years I have been providing graffiti artists a sanctioned place and time to make their art legally on plywood, canvas and apparel. My goal was to cut down on the amount of illegal graffiti found on our beautiful cities buildings but also to let these kids know they ARE artists and to proceed as such. Their art is powerful, expressive and now…. well thought out. The artist’s ages span 18 to 38, a few have been caught up in the criminal justice system (in their early years) but now they are taking the step towards professionalism, which I hope will be followed by the younger graffiti artists in town. My feeling is, they are going to create, why not make a space for them to do it and then celebrate it! So, I was thrilled that a “real” gallery such as the Arts Fund accepted my proposal for a showing of this style of art. Graffiti art is popular and celebrated world wide. Its powerful images are a mirror for our society in the great tradition of art throughout history. These young people are citizens of our community and they are just seeking a place to have their voices be heard. These brave souls are “coming out” and sharing their work with us and I am hoping the educational piece will not be lost on the high brow arts community, but celebrated.
Please join me in bringing attention to this sub-culture that is alive and growing in our community. If we begin to treat them as artists, perhaps they will begin to act as such.
I would also like to thank Judy Weisbart, CEO of the Patricia Henley Foundation, for her support to give youth a voice through the creative arts, and supporting this show into reality.
Please join me in bringing attention to this sub-culture that is alive and growing in our community. If we begin to treat them as artists, perhaps they will begin to act as such.
I would also like to thank Judy Weisbart, CEO of the Patricia Henley Foundation, for her support to give youth a voice through the creative arts, and supporting this show into reality.
Cheers and hope to see you there.
Laura Inks
Creative Producer and Artist Liaison
805-886-1540
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This sounds like it could be a really amazing show, and it is definitley an amazing cause. If you are going to be out and about at the Rumble Art Fair or anywhere else take a moment to stop by this show to show your support.
And as always: make sure to let us know what you think by posting comments here.
Category: General Discussion, Upcoming Events