The Chesterton High School annual IB ADVANCED ART EXHIBIT will open Wednesday and Thursday, April 10-11, 2013 in the Upper Gymnasium of CHS. This is the 5th annual exhibition where students in the International Baccalaureate Visual Arts program and the Senior Portfolio students create their own gallery space, mount, frame, hang, host and promote their show that showcases their year long learning journey. Four students are applying two years of their efforts in satisfaction of the International Baccalaureate Diploma program.
Each of the resulting studio works is fueled by their individual research of artists, cultures, historical time periods, experimentation of media, and reaction to prompts that explore a variety of themes. Their work is exciting, curious, colorful and unique. Students display innovation, imagination, and inspiration transforming ideas into creative visualizations and masterful studio work.
This year there are 16 artists whose works, styles and themes are indeed unique. Part of the exhibit planning is titling the show as well as problem solving what artists must do to present their work. They write individual artist statements for each completed work but also an exhibit statement to explain to visitors the range of their theme and resulting work. Sketchbooks are on display as well and an opportunity to talk with the artist. It is a fun evening and reinforces the efforts of creative individuals who use art to learn about the world around them!
The title PEEPSHOW--The Art Exhibit for the Modern World resulted after a group discussion and voting on the variations arrived at during a brainstorming session. Discussion was engaging, and another process of creative problem solving at work began. Based on the notion that fine art provokes conversation--often perceived with a curious or surprising perception or even misconception, they wanted to invoke a theme with a title worthy of taking a closer look. Participant Tom Trail designed the graphic and opened it up for more critique with his peers about what worked best. The group voted, sought approval and moved forward with placing posters and inviting their own “peeps”--a term we often use in class to bringing their fans, “fam” and friends to art events.
Besides this rigorous course of study and expected tasks this group has taken on, several “Give Back” projects offering their creative problem solving and talent to benefit others in the community. The most noticeable will be a separate display of 16 individual art works created specifically for Duneland Education Foundation as silent auction items at their fundraiser. They will also be featured at the exhibit, so visitors can get a sneak peek at what will be for sale benefiting DEF.
The art boards were donated by an art supply company. Each student created a work based on their overall theme. It will be mounted, ready to frame and paired with a printed card and statement by the artist explaining their beginning points and end solution. Successful bidders will support grants to proposals that are presented twice a year to DEF by teachers to enrich the programs offered in Duneland. Other “give back” projects include a logo designed for the Duneland Seniors and assisting art faculty K-12, in the hanging of the DSC Corporation exhibit at Chesterton Art Center.
If you go: PEEPSHOW--The Art Exhibit for the Modern World
Admission FREE
April 10 6-8 PM
April 11 5-8 PM
CHS Upper Gymnasium
Chesterton High School, 2125 S. 11th Street
Entrance 31, Elevator access to second floor.