Let's Talk About: Art is about change
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Kimi Hanauer, a junior at Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12, worked with artist Alberto Almarza to develop her painting and drawing skills during the AAP mentoring program.
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Students interested in the visual arts at Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 have the chance to work with local artists one-on-one and learn more about themselves in the process.
"Art is about change," says Valerie Westcott, the visual arts coordinator and head of the mentoring program at the Creative and Performing Arts magnet school. "Each new discovery is exciting and revealing for the student and artist alike."
The high school students drive the program, she says. The young adults chose Associated Artists of Pittsburgh mentors after reviewing a selection of artists' works. The artists then work with individual students in the school and community studios to explore new media and expand artistic abilities. The mentoring program is in-depth and geared to each student's artistic vision.
To mark its 100th year, Associated Artists of Pittsburgh is presenting bi-monthly pieces spotlighting emerging and established artists and AAP programs. The organization promotes the visual arts in the region and is celebrating an ARTrageous year of art with more than 70 exhibitions in museums, galleries and institutions.
"Each goal, each milestone is created by the student under the attentive eye of an artist and becomes very personal," says Ms. Westcott. "Through sketching, journaling and critiquing, they walk a singular path -- one artist and one student together."
One of the 17-year-old students was drawn to work with AAP artist Judy Spahr in part because of Ms. Spahr's background in art therapy. During the partnership the two delved into pencil, charcoal and painting techniques and "how this young artist experiences the world," Ms. Spahr says.
One from Hazelwood, one from Mt. Lebanon, the artists joined in discovering "the art that is always waiting to be made."
The mentoring partnerships last for two years. By working together during the last years of high school, a time of great change for students, the program allows for meaningful insight and collaboration between the students and the professional artists.
"This program offers students a look into the lives of people working in visual arts fields and offers the professional artists a chance to stretch the reach of emerging artists," says Ms. Westcott.
From 5:30-8:30 p.m. May 20, AAP and Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 will host an exhibition of the students' art at the school as part of AAP's ARTrageous year of art.
First Published May 11, 2010 12:00 am
