Arts
Westport Arts Center celebrates young artists and community
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Feb 17, 2010 - 3:58 AM

"Calder Circus," an art activity for the March 7 WACky Family Day. Photo by Helen Klisser During

The Westport Arts Center (WAC) will celebrate young artists and creativity with an interactive art project and exhibition entitled, "FOUND: Making Art from the Material World," running from March 7-21. Using found objects and ordinary materials, children and families, along with local area artists, are invited to transform the WAC gallery into a community-built art exhibition during WACky Family Day on Sunday, March 7 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p. m. The completed works will then be installed in the WAC gallery as a public art exhibition.

The show is designed and curated by Director of Education, Danielle Cavanna, and Director of Visual Arts, Helen Klisser During. It will consist of unique, collaborative three-dimensional projects that utilize "found" objects such as wine corks, wood, discarded toys, and deer fencing, among other items. WAC is currently collecting materials in a "Found objects drive," the donations of which will be the building blocks for the show.

"We often overlook children's art, like we overlook mundane, ordinary objects. This project is an opportunity to reconsider what we usually ignore," states Cavanna. "Furthermore, as more contemporary artists utilize unconventional materials in their works, we're continuing a dialogue about what is art. While this show is not meant to be a critique of modern and contemporary art, it will comment on the idea of what is fine art by blurring boundaries and showcasing how children, like artists, can think outside of the box, be imaginative, take risks, and can reveal in their work fresh ideas and deeper meaning."

In "Calder Circus," one of five different installation projects, young artists inspired by sculptor Alexander Calder's film "Circus" will use wire, cork, wood, cloth, and other found items to create a miniature reproduction of a circus. Helen Klisser During comments: "Calder was an artist who focused on fun, poetry, humor, and chance. He is a perfect artist to tie into this exhibition as his work emphasizes the importance of play for children and adults alike."

The Center will engage local artists in this initiative who will act as facilitators during the WACky Family Day and help install the finished product. Participating artists include Nina Bentley, Martha Bloom, Miggs Burroughs, Nancy McTague Stock, and Alyse Rosner.

Selected Animation entries from the 2009 Westport Youth Film Festival (WYFF), will also be on view in the gallery. WYFF, a program of WAC, is the only youth-run festival of its kind in the country. The films to be shown are made by young filmmakers from high schools in California, Minnesota, New York, and Staples High School in Westport. The creative and whimsical films will reinforce WAC's vision of celebrating youth and creativity.

Alyssa Crouse, the center's Marketing Manager, commented that this project is an ambitious ending to the WACky family program season and builds upon the success of past events: "Over the past year, hundreds of families have participated in our WACky Family Sundays with hands-on art. The resounding success of our Family Days has inspired our education committee and staff to recognize children's art, creativity and community collaboration with this project and exhibition."

An opening reception is scheduled for Sunday, March 14 from 2-4pm. The WACky Family Day program and resulting exhibition are sponsored by Melissa and Doug, with support from the Westport Arts Center Education Committee. WACky Family Sundays are held at the Westport Arts Center at 51 Riverside Avenue. The cost of WACky Family days is $10/child. Admission is free for adults and children age two and under. Prior registration is requested, and can be completed by phone at (203) 222-7070 or online at www.westportartscenter.org

The Westport Arts Center is a visual and performing arts organization dedicated to creating arts experiences that enrich the lives of area residents and the entire community. The Westport Arts Center is supported with funds from the Artur and Heida Hermanns Holde Foundation, Inc., Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, Fairfield County Bank, Fairfield County Community Foundation, Gault, Inc., Independent Film Channel, Melissa and Doug, The National Endowment for the Arts, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, Westport Resources, Westport Sunrise Rotary Young Voices Program, and Xerox Foundation.

For information contact Westport Arts Center at 203-222-7070 or go to the website at www.westportartscenter.org. Gallery hours are M-F, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat. and Sun. from noon to 4 p.m., at 51 Riverside Avenue, Westport.

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