CICSNorthtown Art Class: HumanThread: I am/I'm Not Juried HS Exhibtion

HumanThread, a center for Peace, Arts, & Education in Pilsen,

invited students from all over Illinois to create a work of art that explored who they are even further than just stereotypes, including the possibility of projected bias and/or the internalization process that stems from the outside expectations of them.

The I am/I’m Not juried art exhibition project aimed to help today's Chicago youth

explore their identity and how they are perceived in the world they live in by their peers,

their community, and the adults that surround them.

The exhibition included 40 works from 5 schools

On Friday February 10, 2012 the exhibition opened with an Artists' Reception and Award Ceremony

First place for Artistic Merit went to Marsean Hampton of Manley Career Academy HS

Second place for Artistic Merit went to Ariana Jordan of Hyde Park Academy

Third place for Artistic Merit went to Emily Sanner of CICS Northtown Academy

The gallery will be open on Saturdays 12-6pm and Mondays 6-9pm

The show is up until March 2nd

HumanThread Director, Michiko Kobayashi spoke these words:

"Art communicates across ethnic, cultural, and national boundaries. In other words, Art creates connections. In that spirit, we organized this project, “I am/I am not student art exhibition. So, CONGRATULATIONS & THANK YOU TO ALL STUDENTS WHO DARED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS COMPLEX THEMED PROJECT, I am/I am Not Juried High School Student Art Exhibition2012!!

You've done a remarkably impressive job, and we are infinitely amazed and moved by your intellectual take on the theme, thoughtfulness, and creativity. Thank you also to the teachers and parents who supported the students along the way from the start to the finish. In a society where our youth are often dismissed or even marginalized in many cases, this project was our way of saying,

"YOU MATTER! KNOW THYSELF"

Because we want you to know that you are the agents for change; you are the Future, every one of you, no matter what the little voices inside of you sometime may say otherwise, or society. "Know your truer/greater-self!"

Let me take a moment to recognize the very special people who made this project possible.

Scott Renfro and Shayne Wulbert for taking on the most challenging work of the project which is to select the winners.

Also thank you, Ms. Lois Stone - Stone Art Supply and Blick, downtown store for their generosity in providing the prizes for the top three winners.

A very special Thank You to Ms. Jeanette Thompson, Project Director for making this exhibition possible. Thank you all for coming and please enjoy your evening, and let’s celebrate our youth - our future!"