by Christian Shepherd on 2014-04-30
Last Saturday, April 26, the San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM) hosted the finale event for the ArtMUSE series, entitled ArtJam. Aside from regular ArtMUSE affiliates, museum visitors were also invited to “be part of the art” by creating their own art projects during the program.
The event at the museum was done in collaboration between the SBCM, SCIPP (Students and Coyotes: Instructions for Poetry and Prose) from California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino Generation Now (an activist group focusing on the improvement and unification of San Bernardino residents), and students from San Bernardino Valley College. The two-year ArtMUSE series was funded by the James Irvine Foundation.
Danny Trynoski, museum volunteer and active ArtJam member, comments on the rapid growth of the program from its launch two years ago, “It just grew from writing to art; you can’t control the creativity. We wanted to give youth the resources to express themselves.”
The SCIPP organization has workshops for creative writing and was successful enough to expand outside of its original parameters to attract the involvement of numerous other community based organizations. SCIPP is primarily run by two dozen graduate students from CSUSB, as well as teachers and professors from schools in San Bernardino.
There are four workshops that ArtJam focused on: theatre, poetry, photography, and a general art workshop. Pods for each emphasis could be found either outside in the activity area of the museum or throughout the museum exhibits themselves.
The event started at 11 a.m. and included live music, multi-media presentations, a spray painting corner, chalk art, and plenty of creative groups to help and oversee all of the kids who were taking part in the activities. As the final event of the series, it was a time for all of the groups to come together one final time for the finale.
“Everyone who has participated in our ArtMuse art-making events over the last two years can bring their own artwork. This is a great way to share your experience and inspirations from our program,” said Jolene Redvale, Curator of Education for the SB County Museum. “There will be opportunities for museum visitors to hear poetry, create their own art, and meet community leaders.”
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The final event in the San Bernardino County Museum’s ArtMuse project, ArtJam, is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Museum visitors are invited to “be a part of the art” by making their own art during the program, which is included with paid museum admission.
Event activities begin at 11:00 a.m. with family-friendly art making and an overview of recent program initiatives. Families with children, young adults, and seniors are especially suited to ArtJam creative experiences. From noon to 1:30, groups of artists and community members will facilitate art making that reflects their special place in their communities. Visitors are encouraged to join in, creating visual, literary and photographic art that reveals their experiences with place. Several art activities will be available from 11:00 to 3:00 for everyone to enjoy. Live music will round out the day, with performers to be announced the day of the event.
The two-year ArtMUSE program, supported by a grant from the James Irvine Foundation, has offered a wide variety of workshops to encourage community involvement in the arts. This year, ArtMUSE community programs incorporated the CSUSB community and Manuel A. Salinas Elementary School to develop family activities in visual arts, film art, and literary art. The April 26 event at the museum is a collaboration between the County Museum, CSUSB, San Bernardino Generation Now, and San Bernardino Valley College.
“Everyone who has participated in our ArtMuse art-making events over the last two years can bring their own artwork. This is a great way to share your experience and inspirations from our program,” said Jolene Redvale, curator of education. “There will be opportunities for museum visitors to hear poetry, create their own art, and meet community leaders. Join the fun!”
ArtJam will also feature an opportunity drawing for participants in the Art Hunt, a “scavenger hunt” for murals, sculpture, and public art in San Bernardino County. “It’s not too late to be a part of the Art Hunt and share your own favorite public art, like murals or sculptures from your own neighborhood,” said Redvale. “Just visit ArtMUSE on Facebook and get all the details.”
The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 5pm. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669.