Being environmentally friendly is important to a lot of industries.
For one artist, his steel sculpture which is petrochemical and VOC free, not only is environmentally friendly in and of itself, it symbolizes the changes made in the industry that commissioned the work.
Mark Leichliter took two years to create a 25 foot tall sculpture that represents classic symbols for electricity (lightning bolts) and water (rain drops). These two pieces now adorn the City of Loveland's Service Center--the home of the Water and Power departments.
The artist admits there were other options that would have been even more environmentally friendly, but they would not have stood up to the strenght and durability requirements that are also emblematic of water and power.
In addition to the sculptures, Xeriscape gardens will be planted and portland-cement-based stucco for finishing the walls that embrace the sculptures, all designed to lower the impact on the environment.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Art Education Helps Students Learn
The Colorado Council on the Arts commissioned a study recently to assess the impact of arts education on students.
What they found may surprise people who think art isn't important for academics or for success in careers later.
In fact, students who study art do better on tests such as the Colorado Student Assessment Program in reading, writing and science. Students who take arts classes are also less likely to dropout.
Classes in the arts teach students to think creatively--and talk to the folks in Human Resources at companies and that is exactly the kind of employee they are looking for!
Bottom line, arts education has a positive effect on students overall, while in school and later in life.
What they found may surprise people who think art isn't important for academics or for success in careers later.
In fact, students who study art do better on tests such as the Colorado Student Assessment Program in reading, writing and science. Students who take arts classes are also less likely to dropout.
Classes in the arts teach students to think creatively--and talk to the folks in Human Resources at companies and that is exactly the kind of employee they are looking for!
Bottom line, arts education has a positive effect on students overall, while in school and later in life.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Artistic Realization Technologies
I read about this in the Hometown Hero, published in American Profile. It is such an incredible story it gave me goose bumps!
Tim Lefens visited a residential rehabilitation center 16 years ago in New Jersey. The purpose of the visit was to show his art to the residents. What happened changed his life and the lives of many of the residents.
These residents have limited control over their limbs, but upon seeing the excitement in their eyes, Tim was determined to teach them how to paint.
Out of this visit and Tim's determination, Artistic Realization Technologies was born. This non-profit organization now has more than 20 programs in the US and provides instruction and assistance to artists with severe disabilities so they can create paintings, sculptures, photography and music. Part of the initial funding was provided by artist Roy Lichtenstein.
The artists have an assistant, called a tracker, who actually applies the paint to canvas, directed by the artist who wears a headband with a laser. The artist directs the laser on the canvas and the tracker then applies the paint. The artist also indicates the colors to be used, the type and amount of texture and the size and shape of brush.
These artists have the vision and with A.R.T.'s help they have the ability to bring the vision to fruition. Tim compares their experience to those of an architect who comes up with the design and then directs the builder so the end result meets the architect's vision.
Many of these artists exhibit in major galleries and sell their works--the former Governor of NJ Christine Whitman has purchased a piece by one of the ART artists.
A.R.T. has been featured on the news and is partnered with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Tim has written a book, Flying Colors, about creating A.R.T. Go to the A.R.T. website and check out the work.
Tim Lefens visited a residential rehabilitation center 16 years ago in New Jersey. The purpose of the visit was to show his art to the residents. What happened changed his life and the lives of many of the residents.
These residents have limited control over their limbs, but upon seeing the excitement in their eyes, Tim was determined to teach them how to paint.
Out of this visit and Tim's determination, Artistic Realization Technologies was born. This non-profit organization now has more than 20 programs in the US and provides instruction and assistance to artists with severe disabilities so they can create paintings, sculptures, photography and music. Part of the initial funding was provided by artist Roy Lichtenstein.
The artists have an assistant, called a tracker, who actually applies the paint to canvas, directed by the artist who wears a headband with a laser. The artist directs the laser on the canvas and the tracker then applies the paint. The artist also indicates the colors to be used, the type and amount of texture and the size and shape of brush.
These artists have the vision and with A.R.T.'s help they have the ability to bring the vision to fruition. Tim compares their experience to those of an architect who comes up with the design and then directs the builder so the end result meets the architect's vision.
Many of these artists exhibit in major galleries and sell their works--the former Governor of NJ Christine Whitman has purchased a piece by one of the ART artists.
A.R.T. has been featured on the news and is partnered with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Tim has written a book, Flying Colors, about creating A.R.T. Go to the A.R.T. website and check out the work.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Chapungu Gallery Update
The Sculpture Park is still at the Promenade Shops at Centerra, however the Chapungu Gallery has consolidated and moved to their warehouse location.
Visit the park when you are east of Loveland and see the fantastic monumental pieces from Zimbabwe. You can even arrange for guided tours by calling 970-461-8020 or emailing kschroeder@chapungusculpturepark.com
The gallery also has a new number, call 970-624-0000. The warehouse and gallery location is 1052 N. Boise Ave, Loveland, Colorado.
At this new location which is much more spacious you find the largest collection of hand-carved stone sculptures from Zimbabwe to be found in North America. Tools and stones to carve are also available for students and experienced carvers.
Roy Guthrie represents over 300 Zimbabwean sculptors in his gallery. Their mission is to promote the beauty of Africa through art exhibitions, workshops, sales and documentation.
Visit the park when you are east of Loveland and see the fantastic monumental pieces from Zimbabwe. You can even arrange for guided tours by calling 970-461-8020 or emailing kschroeder@chapungusculpturepark.com
The gallery also has a new number, call 970-624-0000. The warehouse and gallery location is 1052 N. Boise Ave, Loveland, Colorado.
At this new location which is much more spacious you find the largest collection of hand-carved stone sculptures from Zimbabwe to be found in North America. Tools and stones to carve are also available for students and experienced carvers.
Roy Guthrie represents over 300 Zimbabwean sculptors in his gallery. Their mission is to promote the beauty of Africa through art exhibitions, workshops, sales and documentation.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Daniel Glanz Sculpture
Daniel Glanz is a wonderful sculptor of nature. His bronzes run from domesticated animals like the family dog and horses on the farm to birds, bears, "big cats" and other wildlife.
I like how he captures the essence of the animal without getting caught up in copying every single hair. So while the work is definitely realistic, it is far from taxidermy! Rather, it is a beautiful, moving, sensitive representation of the feeling of the animal--their mood, personality and movements.
Like many artists, marketing is not his favorite thing. He hopes that people will "discover" his work. It is worth discovering. See his portfolio on his website. His pieces vary in size from tabletop to monumental.
Glanz will do works on commission--and he could be just the artist you are looking for to memorialize your four legged family member.
I like how he captures the essence of the animal without getting caught up in copying every single hair. So while the work is definitely realistic, it is far from taxidermy! Rather, it is a beautiful, moving, sensitive representation of the feeling of the animal--their mood, personality and movements.
Like many artists, marketing is not his favorite thing. He hopes that people will "discover" his work. It is worth discovering. See his portfolio on his website. His pieces vary in size from tabletop to monumental.
Glanz will do works on commission--and he could be just the artist you are looking for to memorialize your four legged family member.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Another Talented Artist
I met Eugene Tanski at the big Loveland Sculpture Invitational several years ago. A retired plastic surgeon, Dr. Tanski now focuses on artwork.
Not that he started after he retired--he actually started drawing as a child during a bout of polio.
This artistic talent was a great benefit to someone in his field. I would certainly want my plastic surgeon to be an artist--if not in painting or any of the traditional "plastic arts"--at least at mending my body and minimizing scars.
Gene is an independent artist, not feeling he has to ascribe to any one style of medium. His pieces often resonate with a deep spiritual side.
His photography and sculptures are often very abstract. Even his more traditional, realistic shots have an abstract quality to them. He is influenced by cultures around the world. In some pieces a strong Japanese influence is evident, in others pieces more of a Native America or African or modern European bent is present.
Not that he started after he retired--he actually started drawing as a child during a bout of polio.
This artistic talent was a great benefit to someone in his field. I would certainly want my plastic surgeon to be an artist--if not in painting or any of the traditional "plastic arts"--at least at mending my body and minimizing scars.
Gene is an independent artist, not feeling he has to ascribe to any one style of medium. His pieces often resonate with a deep spiritual side.
His photography and sculptures are often very abstract. Even his more traditional, realistic shots have an abstract quality to them. He is influenced by cultures around the world. In some pieces a strong Japanese influence is evident, in others pieces more of a Native America or African or modern European bent is present.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Art on Loan
Many people are familiar with art on loan to a museum. There is typically a nice sign by the piece or exhibition, citing who has generously lent the piece. The lender may be the artist or, more frequently, a collector.
Artists can often lend their art to their community as well. This is a win-win situation for both artist and community as well as the citizens.
This sort of program saves cities and towns money because rather than buying the works, they typically pay for moving the piece(s), set up and insuring the work. This is a benefit to the artist because their work is viewed by more people, and they get the sense of pride of contributing something to their community. And the citizens benefit because they get the opportunity to see pieces they might otherwise miss.
My city of Loveland, Colorado is considering a sculpture loan program which would be administered through our Visual Arts Commission. I'm looking forward to this new addition to our wonderful City of the arts!
Artists can often lend their art to their community as well. This is a win-win situation for both artist and community as well as the citizens.
This sort of program saves cities and towns money because rather than buying the works, they typically pay for moving the piece(s), set up and insuring the work. This is a benefit to the artist because their work is viewed by more people, and they get the sense of pride of contributing something to their community. And the citizens benefit because they get the opportunity to see pieces they might otherwise miss.
My city of Loveland, Colorado is considering a sculpture loan program which would be administered through our Visual Arts Commission. I'm looking forward to this new addition to our wonderful City of the arts!
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