(LARIMER presents EMERGING ARTISTS of DENVER)

This Year’s Project: Eco-Art!
Project LEAD goes green! LAA has shifted its programming emphasis to the guiding principles of the Greenprint Denver initiative. Beginning in 2007-08, students in the classrooms will create their art projects with found, recycled and/or inexpensive and free materials that might otherwise be considered waste. Students had a hands-on experience with the importance of “being green ” while creating beautiful works of art.

The public is encouraged to visit this year’s project display:

Now through July 14: Denver Newspaper Agency building: 101 West Colfax Avenue
July 14-25: Webb Municipal Building: 201 West Colfax Avenue
August - TBD

2008 PARTICIPANTS:
Denver Public School - Middle School participants include:

Project LEAD provides a virtual programming pipeline for art students at a critical time in their development. LAA, in conjunction with Denver Public Schools, has contracted with 8 classrooms in 2008 to engage in specially commissioned art projects for public display in high visibility venues, and provide their arts programs with art supplies and expertise for curricula to augment funding shortfalls and provide direction in new mediums.

Michael Rieger, owner of Lapis Gallery, multiple award recipient for arts education, and a LAA board member, is the project curator for Project LEAD.  He directed the installation of the permanent children’s art display at Invesco Field at Mile High and is a successful artist and gallery partner in Denver.  Rieger, along with the Larimer Arts Association staff, work in tandem with the teachers and the students on their specified projects.

OUTCOMES:
The Larimer Arts Association hopes that Project LEAD will teach young adults that the arts are an integral part of society and they can enrich our daily lives.  Upon completion of the project, students will be asked to reflect on and record their experiences so future programming can be shaped to heighten outcomes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
The public may call our 24-hour information line at 303.685.8143.

Wherever possible, recycled products have been and will be used for this event in order to help preserve our invaluable resources.