In 2007, the Arts Festival was very excited to double the reach of the Janus Student Art Buying Program hosting more than 70 students at the 2007 event. With the generous support of Janus Capital Group, select students from eighteen greater metro Denver area schools had the opportunity to participate in the Student Art Buying Program. Each school brings a group of students to the event to acquire works from the exhibiting artists. One of the pieces they purchase is for the Cherry Creek Arts Festival’s Mobile Art Collection and the other piece will become a permanent art installation at the student’s school. The Art pieces bought by students for other students to view in the Mobile Art Collection has become a wonderful tradition and really brings our educational programs full circle.
Prior to the art-buying event, art teachers at each school led discussion groups to establish art selection criteria based on a study guide provided by the Arts Festival. Students are encouraged to work together and discuss the quality and type of work needed to round out the Mobile Art Collection and the parameters for purchasing works. Paired with a volunteer they will pound the pavement and interact directly with exhibiting artists while shopping for art.
The students reconvened before an ad hoc Art Review Board to “defend” their selections in a mock jury setting. A vital part of the art education process, calling upon students to give presentations to demonstrate their mastery of the art concepts that they learned in preparation for the Program. The final step of this program is when the Arts Festival visits each school to present the artwork along with the buyers to the student body.
Comments on the program:
“The Student Art Buying Program benefited our participating students while extending to the population of the school with a permanent installation of art. All three students that participated were ecstatic about their choices and enjoyed sharing the reasons behind the purchase with the ‘on-site jury’ and with the school. Prairie Middle School is fortunate to have been a part of this program and the art will inspire future students to come.” Joe Welborn, Teacher Prairie Middle School
“The reason we chose this sculpture by Mr. Prata is because our principal is always telling us to reach for the stars and we thought this piece showed that.” Simon, Grade 6 Prairie Middle School
“I was really impressed with the concept and the realization of your Student Art Buying Program. I was honestly surprised with maturity and determination the students have demonstrated in negotiating a deal for something they view as valuable artwork for their school collection. In my opinion, it is very important to stimulate interest for art at a very early stage of development, especially nowadays when parents often have no time for such activities. In that respect, Students Art Buying Program initiated by Cherry Creek Arts Festival is one of those innovative ideas that may have great results in the future.” Vesna Yankovich, Exhibiting Artist, Metalwork
