Just when I was beginning to think the young people of the country were all ecstasy-addled, steroid-crazed, hedonistic zombies whose utter nihilism - if it was ever left without the hypnotic salve of mindless entertainment - would quickly devour us all, I was introduced to a group of young people who seemed to be actually interested in the furtherance of civilization. To say the least, I was relieved. There before me sat a dozen new recruits in the civil tradition. They spoke in sentences; the sentences fit together in the form of thoughts. Their eyes were clear, their comments rang true, and though many of them were probably smarter than I am and would have asked better questions, they never let it show.
The meeting I was invited to attend was part of a photojournalism project, which precedes and will supplement a mural project, both of which stand under the banner of Urban Artworks. Urban Artworks is a neighborhood arts education and vocational training program for people aged 14 to 21. As apprentices in the creation of public art-works, the young people involved become familiar with the kinds of professional and creative processes society relies on. A statement about the project reads, "The project uses the arts to help youth gain vital and significant workplace skills; develop skills in the arts and learn the technical and creative processes involved in creating works of public art; and become connected and engaged in the community in a meaningful way." This isn't a paint-by-number exercise.
After applying for and being accepted as apprentice artists - into either the photojournalism project, the mural project, and/or the leadership team - the students were introduced to their mentors. Guiding the photojournalism side of things, which kicked off in early January, is professional photographer and journalist, Diane Ronayne, assisted by photographer Lisa Collard. Professional artist and muralist Ward Hooper will conduct the mural project, which begins the week of April 5.
The theme for the project as a whole is the past, present and future of Boise's North End as seen through the eyes of youth. Apprentice artists in the photojournalism project were given initial training in photography, interviewing techniques and North End history. Working in teams, they set out to photograph and gather sentiments, opinions and stories from North End residents. After weeks of gathering data, they will now focus on creating an anthology of photographs and interview materials that will capture the essence of the neighborhood and the community. The fruits of their labor will be on display April 1 at Incredible Edibles, in the Fort Street Marketplace from 4 to 6 p.m. There will also be a silent auction of donated artworks held in the Boise Consumer Co-op to raise funds for the completion of the mural project.
Apprentice artists in the mural project will work with Ward Hooper and the North End community to design and paint a mural on the Boise Consumer Co-op inspired by this anthology of images and stories from the photojournalism project. The mural is scheduled for an unveiling in late June.
Urban Artworks is supported by local organizations WorkSource, Workforce, Boise Parks and Recreation, Idaho Works, Boise City Arts Commission, Boise Art Museum and Boise State University, and individuals including Patty Urbach, Susan Whitlach and Jayne Sorrels. The project is a replication site for an internationally recognized project in Chicago called Gallery 37.
Talking to the young people involved in the photojournalism project I was struck by their professionalism and brains. The practical, creative and cooperative skills necessary in a successful public art project will serve them well. Future employers may want to jot these names down: Kyla Kidwell, Amanda Osterday, Libby Molina, Meagan Wolf, Greta Rybus, Rae Thiebert, Rachelle Deshazo, Niya Suddarth, Maggie Santoro, Mark Runsvold, Angela Hronek and Cierra Allen.
Article copyright Bar Bar Inc.
Photograph (Image of the Hollywood Market by artist intern Meagan Wolf is part of the Urban Artworks photojournalism project)
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