Nov - Dec 2008 Blog Entries

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Tuesday, December 23, 2008 ~ Art Center kids are multi-talented

Daniel, a second grade Art Center participant, received a challenge from his teacher. She said anyone who could recite the 'Twas the Night Before Christmas poem, would receive a prize ($5!). Daniel accepted.....and won! Click here to see Daniel reciting a portion of the poem. Great job! Happy holidays everyone!

Friday, December 19, 2008 ~ Teen Program comes to an end

Last week, the props that the teens were making in the Apprenticeship Program, were finished and delivered. Right: Roman Villarreal (instructor), Ashly (teen), Joshua (teen), Heather Ireland (After School Matters), Sarah Ward, and Cecilia (teen) pose in front of part of the backdrop.

Nicholette and Angel painting blocks that will be used as seats.	A boat (before the sail was added).
Cecilia, Joshua, Maria, and Ashly working.	Jorge, Richard, and Zack sketch out the backdrop.

Friday, December 19, 2008 ~ Shout-out to board member, Kristen Jacobson

We would like to thank board member, Kristen Jacobson, for her hard work. When planning the Art Opening, Kristen stepped up and volunteered to take care of the food for the event. We love when board members take initiative like this! She did a phenomenal job! There was a delicious spread of food at the event and much of it was made by Kristen. Thanks Kristen! The Art Center loves you. (left: Kristen working her food hostess skills at the event.)

Friday, December 12, 2008 ~ YouTube video of 8th Annual Art Opening

So, how was the Art Opening?

That's an excellent question! It was like this.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008 ~ Silent Auction Items Online!

Well, it's almost that time. This Saturday is the Art Center's 8th Annual Art Opening from 1-4. Items in the silent auction are posted here. If you are unable to make it, but would like to make a bid, please email Sarah. We hope to see you there and thanks for supporting an important cause!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008 ~ Hope you eat good!

The poem above was written by past participant, Dominique. She moved from the area about 2 years ago (many of our participants move in and out of the neighborhood). She came to the Art Center often with her sister and we remember her as being very cute, intelligent, and artistic. We still see some of her cousins around the 'hood but we miss her! Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Have a safe holiday! Love, Art Center Staff PS- Since the Art Center will be closed for the holiday, this will be the last entry until next week.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008 ~ Write-up in The Observer

An article on the mural appeared in the November 19th edition of The Observer, written by Jerome A. Jajchik. Check out the picture of Michelle and I freezing:)

Monday, November 24, 2008 ~ We're harvestin' y'all!

Today we did some harvesting in the Artists' Garden (inside the low tunnel of course). The kids enjoyed harvesting mustard, collard, and turnip greens as well as kale. When asked why he did not like greens, Roman, age 11, responded, "I don't like those greens because they came from outside." We were able to let him know that that is where all greens come from. Hopefully, he will still be around in the spring to learn a lot more about where his food comes from.

Friday, November 21, 2008 ~ We have some good news and some bad news. First, the bad news ...

In the last 2 weeks, we have had 4 kids jumped on the way to and from the Art Center. Two elementary aged boys were walking to the Art Center and were "roughed up" by some high school aged kids. Because of this incident, their parents told them they couldn't come to the Art Center. Also, two teenagers were walking home from the teen class and were accosted by some older kids. They were pushed down and had some items taken from them. These incidents are very unfortunate. The first line of our mission is to provide a safe place for kids but what if they don't feel safe coming or going? After running through several options we came up with a solution with the help of Neil & Raya at the South Chicago Chamber of Commerce. They sent over two security officers who are on special patrol in the neighborhood. Sergeant Guzman and Officer Clemons have offered to give rides to Art Center kids. We tried it out this week and everyone is safe and happy!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 ~ Congratulations to Nick! We knew him when...

On Friday, November 14, Sarah and I visited the University of Chicago to see our Summer Links intern from the summer of 2005, Nick Juravich. Nick had his research published in Chicago Studies: An Annual of Undergraduate Research on the Chicago Region. This journal showcases some of the best academic work about the Chicago region. We watched Nick give a presentation on his research. Nick was a legendary intern here at the Art Center. He was very enthusiastic and some of his memorable projects include building a compost bin for the garden, building shelves for our basement, cooking with harvested produce, and playing his guitar for kids at the garden. Kids still ask about Nick. Nick was a Rhodes scholar and just finished studying at Oxford. Currently he is working at Mighty Milers, a nonprofit in New York that teaches kids the healthy habit of running (Nick was a runner at the U of C).
	Above: Nick (center) at his presentation Below: Some vintage pictures of Nick from his time at the Art Center.

Friday, November 14, 2008 ~ Look at our poscard! Isn't it hot?

Here are the poscards for our upcoming Art Opening! It features the artwork of two of our participants, Anthony and Gerry. Click here to read more info on event.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008 ~ Mural Video on YouTube

The video of the mural is up! Click here to see it. Apple made big changes to the new version of imovie, so much of my time was spent learning the program. Anyhoo, check it out to see the hard work everyone put in on that blustery November 1st day.

You can read more about the mural here and here.

Monday, November 10, 2008 ~ Field Trip--Success!

	On Friday we went on a field trip to the Cultural Center where we saw several art exhibits. We were also lucky to catch a live musical performance. A children's choir from Guatemala peformed while we were there.
We grabbed a bite to eat at Giordano's. Kids voted to go there instead of McDonald's! It must have been a tiring field trip as you can see by the picture taken on the train. (right)

Friday, November 7, 2008 ~ What a beautiful mural!

The mural is up! On Saturday, November 1st, Brother Mark, with the help of several people (including some South Chicago teens) put up the mural. As it was going up, many community members commented on how beautiful it is. Stay tuned...I took some video footage of the process that I hope to post next week.
	Ceci gets interviewed by Univision Chanel 66.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008 ~ Teenagers working and we didn't have to pose them!

	Here are more pictures of the teens making props for the play. Teacher Roman Villarreal co-teaches the class.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008 ~ More Halloween Pictures!

Top: Kids come to the Art Center to get their faces painted
Left: Ceci dresses up and poses
Right: Beth, Maria, and Ceci on Halloween

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