PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Part
One: MENTORS: To expose students to the real life of working
artists, they are matched, through a careful application and interview
process, with prominent artists who offer encouragement, practical
advice and guidance, as well as assistance in completing an art
project suitable for professional presentation in a high profile
CWW exhibition (See Part Four below). In turn, the students assist
the artist, in his or her studio, with a project that might not
otherwise have been possible without extra help. Most importantly,
we believe that the creation of a personal bond between young
and mature artists can be an extremely powerful and positive force
in the education and encouragement of promising art students.
The Mentor receives detailed guidelines on the program's goals
along with helpful tips on how to work with the student. Each
Mentor/Student meets twice weekly for 2 hours each meeting.
Part
Two: INTERNS: To teach students about the inside workings
of galleries and museums, ArtReach offers direct experience in
the professional administration of an arts organization. A working
knowledge of the business of art is essential to a student's future
success as an artist. Each intern gains hands-on experience with
slide registries (CWW has the largest of any gallery in New Jersey),
exhibition installations, mailings, openings, databases, photographing
artwork, and all other gallery operations. The Interns also receive
hands-on computer training through which they produce the
promotional materials for the ArtReach Exhibition (See Part Four).
They design the announcement cards and exhibition catalogue.
Part
Three: SCHOOL LECTURES: To instruct students in practical,
methodical career planning, ArtReach presents a semester-long
series of lectures to school classes, and even full student assemblies,
by working artists who share expertise and advice on the practical
techniques and methodology of creating and sustaining a career
in fine art. The artists stress the importance of capitalizing
on the many opportunities already available to students, such
as art competitions, mural projects, set design, etc., and how
these activities can form the basis of a coherent career strategy.
Participating artists are selected through a formal interview
process. Special attention is given to role models relevant to
the many minority students at New Jersey's high schools.
Part
Four: THE ARTREACH EXHIBITION: To offer students a professional
exhibition opportunity, ArtReach concludes each year with a high
profile exhibition of art by the Artist Mentors and their Student Assistants (see Part One), organized with the participation of the Student Interns (see Part Two) who help design the announcement card, catalogue and installation. Previous ArtReach exhibitions have been consistently reviewed by the New York times and the Star Ledger. Special viewings are arranged for school groups and this show, like all those at CWW, is free and open to the public, providing an opportunity to see the results of a successful community-based cultural project in a fully-professional environment.