Artist Sean Landers, whose work is in the Contemporary’s current exhibition, Sean Landers: 1991-1994, Improbable History, recently led a New Art in the Neighborhood session. His workshop focused on self exploration and expression through artistic writing, as he led the twenty students in a stimulating narrative exercise.  Landers first asked the students to write three personal truths about themselves or the world around them.  The artist then collected the statements and read them aloud to the class without revealing their authors.  The truths were poetic reflections, frank observations, and deeply personal secrets.  The thought-provoking workshop provided an opportunity for the students to express their most direct thoughts and create a picture of their identity.

 The exploratory workshop was a great segue into a NAN session led by local artist Kit Keith.  Keith, an accomplished mixed-media artist, began the workshop with a discussion of her earliest artistic influences and the lessons she learned from her father, who worked as a sign painter.  She shared with the students a history of her artistic voice, emphasizing her fascination with 1940s imagery and use of found objects, two constants in her work.  Keith brought several unfinished works with her, and worked on her art alongside students as she challenged them to make collages with found objects, found imagery, paint, and illustration.  The resulting collages were extremely diverse and channeled Keith’s techniques through pastiche and careful composition.  Students crafted their collages using newsprint, personal photographs, magazines, and textiles, and other fascinating materials. 

 Not only did these two artists share stories of their efforts to create self-reflexive artwork, but they also gave the students precious insight into their personal methods and aesthetics.  After two fun and challenging NAN workshops, the students will surely be inspired to continue creating art that gives thought to personal narrative and honesty.  It was great to see their processes develop through these two workshops.  Thanks again to Sean Landers and Kit Keith!  And thanks to the NAN students for their consistent dedication, talent, and enthusiasm!

Artist and former New Art in the Neighborhood (NAN) student Stan Chisholm recently led a NAN workshop that introduced students to a collaborative project he has been working on for the past year.  Called MoneyBags, the project “re-evaluates wealth, worth and, currency.” Stan was joined by fellow artist and collaborator Lisa Kim, and together they invited NAN students to think about art as currency and create money bags filled with objects of their own making.

Students screenprinted designs, sewed their own bags, and created numerous drawings, art items, and secret messages to include in their money bags. Each bag was designed to be placed in a public space for unsuspecting passersby to discover and keep.

Some students gave their bags to Stan, who found places to leave them; others placed the bags themselves. Those students were asked to take a photos of the bags in their new locations and send them to Stan to post on his MoneyBags website.  You can visit the site to learn more about the project and see pictures of the NAN-made money bags:  http://www.dropmoneybags.blogspot.com/

Keep an eye out for a MoneyBag near you!

Thanksgiving has passed, so now it is time to really get series about holiday gift giving! Most people don’t think about turning to art museums for wonderful gift ideas, so here is your chance to get in on the secret. MUSE gift shop, at the Contemporary, has many items on sale around the holidays. There is always something fun and unique on the shelves in MUSE. You can also give the gift of museum membership. This is truly a unique gift because recipients will receive membership benefits for an entire year AND the money you spend to purchase the gift goes towards supporting a cultural institution!

Another important gift you could make this holiday season is to New Art in the Neighborhood (NAN) students. This year, the Contemporary is focusing on raising funds for this important educational program. NAN is a pre-professional, scholarship-based program for high school students wishing to gain exposure and experience in the arts. The students spend each Saturday afternoon for a semester at the Contemporary creating and learning about art from museum staff, artists, and each other. One of the things that these students lack in their classroom is technology. In order to create and store artwork and portfolios, students need access to computers, printers, cameras, and more. You can make a difference in the lives of these teens by making a gift! Click here for more information and here to donate now.

In preparation for National Portfolio Day at Washington University, the New Art in the Neighborhood (NAN) students were treated to a visit by artist, Professor, and Executive Director of the Santo Foundation, Gary Passanise. 

Gary provided the NAN students with numerous insights into the portfolio review process, sharing what he looks for when he reviews portfolios and discussed the best ways to highlight their strengths, giving special attention to content selection. He also talked about how good artwork is distracted by bad presentation. 

He then gave a demo on an easy and efficient way to mount drawings that instantly transformed the space around the work and gave them room to visually breathe. 

Gary also generously spoke about his own art work, the reflections, research, and personal thought processes that go into what he creates. I personally enjoyed this very much as it always fascinates me the myriad of ways that artists operate and arrive at what they do.   

The day ended with Mr. Passanise taking the time to personally review some of the student’s portfolios and giving individualized feedback. 

The students asked thoughtful questions, and I think in the end some of the pressure of what can be an anxious and daunting experience was alleviated. Thanks Gary!