I wish to thank the Cultural
Resource Council for the award of one of two 2004 NYSCA
Individual
Artist's Grants designated for creating environmental
public art.
This
Grant has enabled me
to embark on a project that continues to grow to this day in a manner I
could never have originally anticipated. It all started simply enough,
when I offered the only thing I have to give - my heartfelt love of
art.
I
volunteered to teach art to a small group of
inner-city
children
at the Syracuse Salvation Army's Barnabas Center. Their initial inquisitiveness grew to
enthusiasm and fired my drive to provide them with numerous materials with which to paint, draw and sculpt.
Their works of art began to cover the empty walls and hallways of the
Center. Newly discovered abilities inspired self-confidence and hope,
which their counselor said had been sorely lacking.
All
they needed was attention, encouragement and inspiration. We took field trips to
expose them to many different art forms. Their eagerness was contagious. I began to expand my
vision to encompass these budding artists and others like them in
a public project to benefit the community.
I was encouraged
by a number of people, particularly Pat Driscoll, Syracuse Commissioner of
Parks, who offered an intriguing green space at Erie Boulevard and McBride
Street. This is a busy intersection which I envision as the genesis of as
much needed public art and sculpture park. Here works by local artists,
both amateur and professional, can soon be viewed by both passing
motorists and strolling pedestrians.
We plan to create benches
and tables, functional works of art
in themselves. I am completing the first of these benches which will be
installed during a ceremony the first week in November. Over time, other
sculpture and artworks will be permanently installed. Subsequent pieces will be part of an ever-changing display of our exciting local talent.
Additionally, large
metal pieces may make novel canvases for murals upon which designs
created by
our local talent could be incorporated. Why not? We now have a location and
we definitely have only begun to tap into our reservoir of local talent!
I have already
secured, through the generosity of local businesses, a collection of many
useful materials. Steel, stone and paint, in addition to
recyclable and reusable materials, can be given new life and
creatively transformed into unexpected works of art.
Further funding
is needed to continue a project that began with the smiles and laughter of children, a
reward in itself. Help extend this project to others who have not
yet had the opportunity to experience the beauty of art. Such beauty transcends
the presence of fear and violence found in all too many neighborhoods.
Help create a small but significant haven of peace and beauty.
This is an
opportunity for our community to participate in a worthwhile project while
celebrating our own creativity!
We warmly welcome additional companies and individuals to contribute towards this
project.
To donate funds or materials.
Click
here
Thank you for your support in this project!
