Art has long been known to be a defining characteristic of an enlightened civilization. Some artists, on the other hand, often go unappreciated and misunderstood during their lifetimes and fail to get the recognition they deserve.
Here in the Valley, the efforts of one group of artists in particular have been generating a lot of buzz, in the form of praise and community interest. Indeed, a tip of the hat to these fellows is certainly called for.
Since its inception around four years ago, The Rainforest Art Project has produced works of art and the type of word of mouth that is sure to leave a lasting legacy.
Found throughout the Valley in various forms and mediums, the organization’s body of work should be regarded as truly transcendental for the manner in which it produces its work.
Often employing volunteers, local students and their families and donated materials, The Rainforest Art Project is at its core a community-based endeavor working to create art for the public rather than for the consumer or snooty collector.
What started out as a program to reach at-risk youth now seems well on its way to become the launching pad for a lot of local talent.
By providing local kids with hands-on, intellectually engaging, technically challenging opportunities to work on art projects, the organization has done what no homework assignment could ever do. Or should we say what every homework assignment should do?
Originally having gotten its start at Ben-Hulse Elementary nearly four years ago, The Rainforest Art Project soon expanded to include the city of Imperial and Imperial Unified School District. And the list of collaborators, of which The Home Depot deserves special recognition, continues to grow.
To date, some of their collaborations include an Amber Bryant memorial at Sunflower Elementary in El Centro as well as a celestial-themed mural across the street from Hedrick Elementary School.
A community effort from the conceptual stage to the creation and installment of each project, the whole endeavor is more than worthy of endorsement. And as more and more schools, local businesses and cities get in on the act, we will definitely be heaping kudos their way and casting appreciative gazes at the finished work.
THE ISSUE:
The Rainforest Art Project leaves its mark on Valley.
WE SAY:
Art made for public consumption deserves special praise.
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
Send us your thoughts on this topic to www.ivpressonline.com/letterstotheeditor
Here in the Valley, the efforts of one group of artists in particular have been generating a lot of buzz, in the form of praise and community interest. Indeed, a tip of the hat to these fellows is certainly called for.
Since its inception around four years ago, The Rainforest Art Project has produced works of art and the type of word of mouth that is sure to leave a lasting legacy.
Found throughout the Valley in various forms and mediums, the organization’s body of work should be regarded as truly transcendental for the manner in which it produces its work.
Often employing volunteers, local students and their families and donated materials, The Rainforest Art Project is at its core a community-based endeavor working to create art for the public rather than for the consumer or snooty collector.
What started out as a program to reach at-risk youth now seems well on its way to become the launching pad for a lot of local talent.
By providing local kids with hands-on, intellectually engaging, technically challenging opportunities to work on art projects, the organization has done what no homework assignment could ever do. Or should we say what every homework assignment should do?
Originally having gotten its start at Ben-Hulse Elementary nearly four years ago, The Rainforest Art Project soon expanded to include the city of Imperial and Imperial Unified School District. And the list of collaborators, of which The Home Depot deserves special recognition, continues to grow.
To date, some of their collaborations include an Amber Bryant memorial at Sunflower Elementary in El Centro as well as a celestial-themed mural across the street from Hedrick Elementary School.
A community effort from the conceptual stage to the creation and installment of each project, the whole endeavor is more than worthy of endorsement. And as more and more schools, local businesses and cities get in on the act, we will definitely be heaping kudos their way and casting appreciative gazes at the finished work.
THE ISSUE:
The Rainforest Art Project leaves its mark on Valley.
WE SAY:
Art made for public consumption deserves special praise.
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
Send us your thoughts on this topic to www.ivpressonline.com/letterstotheeditor
