I am the director of an alternative school in rural Kansas. Our students range in age from 5 to 18, and most struggle with emotional or behavioral disorders, or have otherwise struggled in the traditional school environment. Many are interested in the arts, and are motivated by creative endeavors. I am trying to build a small collection of original contemporary art to display in the common areas of the building alongside student art.
I will admit to some selfish interest in choosing to begin with these groups and modes of art; however, I also believe that intermedia art and visual poetry will be of particular interest to our students. Much of their own artwork combines text and graphical elements: graffiti, logo design, and other creative writing is present in much of their work. In addition, they have been using collage in multiple ways and across curricular areas.
Details:
Visual poetry and other intermedia works will be accepted on the judgment of the staff and administration of the school. Works should be of a size that will be easy to display using standard-sized commercially-available frames. Subject matter / content should be appropriate to display in a public school building. There is no jury; works will be accepted on the judgment of the school administrator. Works will become the property of the school and school district; artists will submit a written and signed note gifting the work to the school district. Artists will be publicly recognized, and receive documentation of their submission, and works on display will be cataloged in a format to be determined later. In addition to display for students and staff of the school district, the permanent exhibit will be regularly displayed to the public.
Anyone who is interested should contact Zachary Lawrence at zslawrence0@gmail.com or at 316-644-3194.
