Van Go JAMS

Pioneer Ridge portraits

2009-02-26T12:38:00.000-08:00

This January 12th, six new people joined our LifeJAMS program! Remember that our LifeJAMS is a program geared towards youth ages 18-21. The new group consists of:
Heather French
Tiana Williams
Thomas Waltz
Danielle Long
Kait Head.
We were very excited to welcome these fresh, young faces!

Recently, as of March 18th, the LifeJAMS kids have started doing portraits of the Pioneer Ridge residents, taking over where the previous LifeJAMS kids had left off. Each kid is assigned one elderly resident to do a portrait of each Wednesday. Kids can use various mediums, ranging from pencils to pastels, or even doing the portrait on darker paper.

Tiana Williams getting into the artistic spirit.

Danielle Long with her resident.

Thomas Waltz proudly shows off his masterpiece.

You can view more pictures of the drawing festivities here at our Flickr account

All of the residents and LifeJAMS kids are enjoying this project very much, and look forward to each Wednesday.

Silent Auction Ends Today!

2008-12-15T11:45:00.000-08:00

Monday, December 15 is the FINAL DAY for the Silent Auction items!!

That's right... today is your last day to place bids. The Van Go Gallery is open from 1pm-5pm and bidding ends at 5pm.

For those who have already placed bids, you are welcome to contact Van Go at 785-842-3797 to see if you are the highest bidder or to update your bid. After today you may check back here or call Van Go to find out if you are a winner!

Remember, the items up for auction are the coat trees, large Obama portrait, several mosaic items, and a few of the large sized trash cans.

If you still haven't finished your Christmas shopping, the Van Go gallery is still open! Every day (including weekends) from 1-5pm you can come in and shop your heart out. We still have a large variety of glassware, glass jewelry, magnets, collages, handmade cards, silk scarves, picture frames, aprons, placemats... the list goes on and on!

More Portraits!

2008-12-15T11:18:00.000-08:00

The Life JAMS artists are at it again, visiting one of Lawrence's retirement homes to draw more portraits of the residents. The eventual goal is to draw every resident and to have an art show displaying all the portraits!

The Lawrence Journal-World came out and took some pictures and wrote a story about our service project. You can view it on the Journal-World website here:

Model Citizens: At-risk artists, retirement home residents pair for portrait project

Some of the pictures are a little big today, so feel free to click on them to see the full-sized picture.

Kyle proudly displays his portrait on December 3.

Sadie's model looks delighted as she views the final product!

Lottie looks lovely in lavender, and was very happy with her portrait.

Jordan displays his colorful portrait---certainly not traditional, but wonderful nonetheless!

On December 10, the day the Journal-World came to visit, our art director Cathy came along and drew a portrait herself.

Wanda dressed up in her favorite color and was sure to sit pretty as she modeled for Cathy!

Sitting by the fireside in the cafeteria isn't a bad way to spend a morning!

Kyle did his best to help his model relax. Some of the residents have never had a portrait drawn before. Never let it be said that you can't do something new every day!

"Feisty Pearl" was a wonderful subject with her beautiful red hair.

This Wednesday, December 17 will be our final trip to the retirement home before the Christmas holiday. In the spring, hopefully the new Life JAMS artists will continue with this project!

That's right--have we mentioned? Most of the Life JAMS artists are heading out into the world. Andrew, Sarah, Sadie, and Kyle will finish their term at Van Go this week. It's sad to part ways, but Van Go has prepared these artists to make their own way!

More Faces of Van Go

2008-11-25T16:22:00.000-08:00

Recently the Van Go Life JAMS artists decided to do something to give back to the community. The Life JAMS students are working with Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community to provide portraits to some of the residents. The first trip to Pioneer Ridge was a big success, and the Life JAMS students will return a couple more times in December to draw more residents.

Everyone was very focused on their willing subjects:

And the end results looked great!

Speaking of portraits, a famous face has been seen around Van Go lately...

Our President Elect, Barack Obama, as portrayed by Life JAMS artist Jordan. Jordan has done a series of portraits with words--this one fatures words such as "hope," "change," "dream," and "audacity." The finished portrait is one of the items available during this week (November 25-29) in Van Go's first Silent Auction. From 10am to 5pm daily, stop by Van Go to place your bid on select art items (and get a preview of the items that will be on sale at Adornment this Saturday!)

Another Silent Auction item-- a mosaic oval mirror (mirror not shown in this picture.)

Also in the Silent Auction, a smaller oval mirror.

Come place your bid on this fantastic spiral wall hanging!

Something new and exciting this year are some amazing coat trees. Constructed by a wonderful Van Go adult volunteer, each coat tree is as unique as the artist who decorated it. All coat trees are for sale in the silent auction!

Our Master of Mosaic, Andrew, painstakingly cut and glued the mosaic tiles on his golden tower of a coat tree.

This coat tree looks almost like a stack of brightly wrapped Christmas presents precariously balanced--don't worry, it's much sturdier than cardboard boxes and ribbon!

This masterpiece is a real "Coat Tree of Arms." Subtle hands climb their way upward, just asking to take your coat.

Jeremy is proud to display his natural wood coat tree embellished with nails, tacks, and metal plates.

Almost like the plumes of a peacock, this coat tree is just blooming with color!

Please stop by Van Go this week to bid on our Silent Auction items---and we hope to see you on Saturday at 7:00 for Adornment! Happy Thanksgiving!

What's that? Adornment in 2 weeks?

2008-11-14T15:01:00.000-08:00

Adornment is coming, Adornment is coming! Only 2 more weeks until Van Go's Adornment show--the official gallery opening and gala event to show off all of the amazing artwork created during the fall!

Mark your calendar if you haven't yet--- Saturday, November 29 is Adornment! That's 2 days after Thanksgiving. Adornment will be held at Van Go-- Our address is 715 New Jersey Street. We're on the corner of 7th and New Jersey, right across from the Amtrak station.

Jeremy from LifeJAMS looks a wee bit nervous about the upcoming show.

The JAMS apprentice artists put their creative minds to work as they adorned wooden napkin holders and trivets with wooden blocks, balls, discs, and spools. After painting, the napkin holders and trivets will have mosaic tiles glued onto them and be grouted.

What a lovely matching pair. The areas where mosaic will be are taped off to keep them clean during the painting process.

Here you can see a set that has the mosaic tiles glued into place. Later they will be grouted to create an even surface, perfect for those pots off the stove!

Kyle, another LifeJAMS student (and JAMS alum!) works to develop a mosaic pattern for his trivet and napkin holder.

Some more lovely glass pieces that have been fused. Magnets, picture frames, and some dishes waiting to be slumped!

Here's something new to decorate your tree... icicle ornaments! Put these on a string with some pretty beads and people will wonder how you get such lovely icicles without the accompanying puddle on your floor.

The holidays mean lots of house guests. Protect your furniture and wow them with your style with a fused glass coaster set!

There are other beautiful mosaics being created. This spiral would make some lovely wall decor.

This flower will have a round mirror in the center. Ooh la la!

Some KU students from Maryanne Jordan's textiles classes have been assisting our JAMS kids this fall. They taught the kids some great fabric decorating skills. Check out these luxurious silk scarves!

Finally, our glass is getting slumped! Those big flat squares and circles are magically becoming plates, bowls, and dishes!

It looks like Jeremy got his act together and finished his table/hall runner. Here he is applying a coat of sealer to protect it from wear and tear.

One of the first projects of the fall was to make a collage on canvas using materials donated by many fabulous people in our community. Jewelry, fabric, newspaper clippings, and more found their way into works of art large and small.

Who is this smiling face? Why, it's Mandy, our office manager! Her big, beautiful desk is finally complete so she is right by the entrance if someone decides to drop in.

Speaking of beautiful, some of our fused glass is being turned into fabulous jewelry such as these pendants.

If you feel like going western (with a bit of class!) think about one of our bola ties.

Don't be fooled... these ties aren't just for the menfolk!

Is your interest piqued yet? We hope so! I'll bet if you didn't have November 29 circled on your calendar before, you sure do now! Just imagine how wonderful it would be to have all of your holiday shopping completed a mere 2 days after Thanksgiving!

Capital Campaign Donors Get a Sneak Peek!

2008-11-10T07:02:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, Van Go held a very special event for some very special people. The event was a sneak peek at our new space and the exciting projects happening right now. The special people were all the generous donors to the capital campaign that funded our building project.

A temporary "Donor Wall" honors all the different levels of donor--from Rolls Royce donors to Cadillac donors! In the future there will be a more permanent installation to recognize all who contributed to this amazing feat. There's still time, however---would you like to see your name on the donor wall?

Of course, no Van Go soiree would be complete without a marvelous spread of food and drink. This food is a work of art all by itself!

The new front desk makes a wonderful impromptu bar.

Our new space leaves lots of room for people to mingle and chat. In the background, videos and slide shows played, showing off some of the fabulous Van Go JAMS students and their accomplishments while at Van Go.

Lynne Green, our founder and director, makes a wonderful hostess as she welcomes our guests to the wonderful new space.

Susan Tate, the capital campaign chairperson, took the floor for a while to speak to the crowd.

Not to be outdone by the ladies, our board president Brad Chindamo had his turn at the microphone.

Ah yes, a lovely evening in a beautiful facility. What a wonderful way to honor those who have given so much to Van Go!

A thankful Van Go JAMS student was happy to greet those who attended to show her appreciation!

Another great big THANKS to all of our capital campaign donors!

New Spaces, New Faces

2008-10-27T05:13:00.001-07:00

Van Go has officially moved into the fresh, newly renovated space on the south side of our building. If you have been familiar with Van Go, we hope you will be just as delighted with the changes as we are. We will give you time to pick your jaw up the floor when you enter and see this before you:

With skylights, lofty ceilings, and walls of glass, we finally have the room to really let our creativity expand!

And of course, with a new school year our Van Go family expands as well. JAMS and Life JAMS are both welcoming new faces.

(Hello, Alex!)

We are jumping right in and doing some fun projects that will be available at our holiday Adornment show. Mark your calendars--the Saturday after Thanksgiving, or November 29, is our Adornment show and gallery opening. Come ready to find lots of beautiful, creative, unique holiday gifts to give away--or something you have to keep all to yourself!

Trash has never been classy until you put it in one of our fabulous, hand-painted galvanized steel trash cans. Look at Tony, Jesse, and Jessica hard at work!

Altogether, they make quite a collection.

And what kid WOULDN'T want to go home and tell Mom they got paid to play with broken glass?

Macio puts his creative juices to work, making a picture frame to be fused in the kiln.

Some items, like picture frames, go through the kiln once and are ready for sale.

Other items, like this bowl-in-progress, will be fused once, then put back in the kiln with a ceramic mold to be "slumped" into their final shape. (Trying to eat cereal out of a flat bowl would be pretty messy!)

Life at Van Go isn't all fun and games. Sometimes we really work up a sweat! A generous volunteer from Be Moved studio visits weekly to lead the Van Go and Life JAMS staff in an hour of yoga.

This is just another example of how Van Go works to improve the lives of its apprentice artists in all areas--by learning job skills, earning wages, and also by learning how to be healthy and to take care of their bodies.

For some of the apprentice artists, the work they do at Van Go isn't enough. They like to get creative outside of work, too! Check out this piece of art by Jordan, one of the new Life JAMS apprentice artists.

You can find Jordan downtown at Fatso's on Wednesday nights, doing his "live art" paintings for all to see.

At the end of the day, working at Van Go is a very rewarding experience, in more ways than one-- each week a JAMS artist is recognized as the "Employee of the Week." Congratulations, Joe!

Keep checking back to see more of what's going on at Van Go!

Congratulations Graduates!

2008-06-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, June 11th Van Go celebrated the graduation of 3 of our LifeJAMS youth - Sadie Crumet, Andrew Padilla and Mia Brantley. All 3 passed their GED test to receive their high school diplomas!

Week Two - Eating, Exercising, and a little bit of Art

2008-06-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

Week Two:

Apprentice artists are beginning to meet with bench clients where they will learn about the business that has purchased their bench and discuss ideas for the bench design. Many artists are already hard at work sketching blueprints and researching images.

In addition to art, today we also did a little yoga with 'Todd the Bod' Wyant and enjoyed a great locally made meal of homemade macaroni and cheese, ratatouille, green salad and strawberry shortcake. Local farms of note for today's meal include Iwig Dairy, Alma Creamery, HR Ranch and Hoyland Farm.

And....we're off! Summer JAMS 2008 Begins

2008-05-27T12:02:00.001-07:00

Day One of Summer JAMS has begun!

21 artists ages 14-18 years old, new faces and very familiar faces as well, start off the summer with drawing and painting techniques ala Cathy Ledeker. In just a matter of days they will all get their bench assignments and begin meeting with bench clients. We don't waste any time!

Unveiled!

2008-04-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

Check out the final result of all the hard work by JAMS apprentice artists over the spring session. The totem project, "Reduce, Reuse, Remember," was unveiled to great acclaim at the Lawrence Earth Day celebration on April 19. Some of the pieces will be auctioned at What Floats Your Boat, a Van Go fundraiser held at Clinton Lake Marina on June 21. Please call Van Go (842-3797) if you'd like to attend this event and get your hands on one of these beauties. By the way, the outdoor shots are by Van Go friend Tyler Lindquist of TJL Photography.

Day 32: Fabulous finish

2008-04-11T09:17:00.001-07:00

On this last day of the the spring 2008 session of Jobs in the Arts Make Sense, we invite you to play a sappy instrumental tune in your head and view this montage of art projects reaching completion.

As the day wrapped up, artists reflected on what they learned during the proess, and Midori took home the final Employee of the Week honor.

Thank you for following our journey! Remember, the project--"Reduce, Reuse, Remember"--will be unveiled April 19 during Lawrence's Earth Day celebrations. Also, Van Go is working on a showing at a new art gallery in Greensburg, Kansas. Check here or www.van-go.org for updates on where to view the art in person!

Day 31: Say green!

2008-04-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

You know the end is nigh when the JAMS session busts out a group photo. Thursday will be the final day of the JAMS project, and we'll bring you non-live coverage of all that transpires. In the meantime, Lawrencians should mark their calendars for noon, Saturday, April 19, at South Park-- the big unveiling of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!!!

Day 30: Good clean fun

2008-04-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

The eco-sculptures may go down as the messiest JAMS project in history.

Day 29: Countdown to finish!

2008-04-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

It's the final week of the spring JAMS session, and apprentice artists have begun painting symbols and narratives onto their sculptures.

Their stories, represented visually through found objects and imagery, cover deep topics both positive and negative. Kyle's piece is topped with a fork and spoon, to represent consumption. Matt conjured a movie reel from found objects, because his dream job is as a movie editor. Sierra incorporated a bottle to symbolize hope flowing as water. Kayleigh tackled alcoholism with a two-sided totem-- one part coherent, one part messy-- to reveal the duality and self-destruction of people facing the addiction.

Day 28: Coming into view

2008-04-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

The JAMS artists have come a long way. They started with two-dimensional paintings exploring nature and personal symbols. Now, their huge, three-dimensional sculptures are shaping up, and the end is in sight.

Also: Virtual high-five to Matt for his stellar on-the-job performance!

Day 27: Re-cap

2008-04-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

We're sure you've read every post since Day 1 of the current JAMS session, but allow us to re-cap, in case you were out with the flu, on vacation or lacking Internet access at any point since mid-February.

Who: More than twenty young people, ages 14-21, from Douglas County, Kansas, are earning hourly wages to create artwork through the Jobs in the Arts Make Sense (JAMS) program, recognized nationally for its awesomeness (seriously, it received the fancy Coming Up Taller award in 2006).

What: The current JAMS session has youth learning about and examining environmental issues, as well as considering their place in the world. They're creating totem pole-esque sculptures of "found objects" to symbolize personal stories and visions. Along the way, they receive job training, counseling, life skills and other support (plus those hourly wages).

When: JAMS sessions happen at Van Go every spring, summer and fall. The current, eco-themed session will wrap up April 10, and the final art project will be unveiled April 19, 2008.

Where: Van Go is located in Lawrence, Kansas, and inhabits a large warehouse space currently undergoing big-time renovations!

Why: Van Go uses the JAMS program to accomplish its mission-- to improve the lives of high-needs youth using art as the vehicle for self-expression, self-confidence and hope for the future. JAMS participants aren't hired for their art skills. They're hired because they face economic, mental and/or academic struggles. Van Go is the only area organization aiming to meet their needs with comprehensive (and fun) services!

Day 26: Dash of color

2008-04-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

The next step in the sculpture process is to spray-paint the paper mache coating. Some artists are choosing to leave certain objects (say, a mini-basketball or a wagon wheel) exposed and unpainted, to highlight the wild components of the structures.

Day 25: In the muck

2008-04-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

On Monday, JAMS artists used paper mache to create an outer coating for their sculptures of newspaper, cans, bottles, shoes, light bulbs and other found objects. Many articles of clothing were sullied in the process, in spite of the JAMS work aprons.

Day 24: Birthday lift

2008-03-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

Week 6 wrapped up with a birthday celebration for Macio, who--in Van Go birthday tradition--got a lift from his fellow artists.

Also, props to Kayliegh on Employee of the Week.

Day 23: Morale is high

2008-03-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

Van Go staff report no fewer than five Van Go youth expressing something to the effect of, "I am so excited about my sculpture and can't wait to finish and show it!"*

*Not made up for P.R. purposes. We swear! The artists are really into their eco-project.

Day 22: Vision of things to come

2008-03-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Check out art director Cathy's sculpture, which is in the process of being spray-painted. All the artists eventually will paint their sculptures and incorporate imagery from those vertical storytelling paintings we showed you earlier in the program.

Cathy's piece is made of rolled-up magazines, glass jars, bottle caps, pipe pieces and other treasures.

Day 21: What's in a name?

2008-03-26T10:02:00.001-07:00

We're back! Spring break is ovah, folks. Only three weeks left to complete the current JAMS project--sculptures made from junk yard fodder and adorned with symbols of the artists' worlds.

BREAKING NEWS: We have a proper name for the art project! After much discussion and suggestions from the JAMS youth, contenders ranged from Eco-Divas (too cute) to Green Teens (unclear). Here is the winner (drumroll....):

Reduce, Reuse, Remember: Our Stories in Recovered Trash and Memory.

An eco-art project by any other name would still look as sweet, but we dig the new title.

Van Go stuff

2008-03-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

Want to know more about Van Go Mobile Arts, the nonprofit organization that operates the JAMS program? Go to www.van-go.org. You can find out about past JAMS projects, who works here, or the complete overhaul the Van Go building is experiencing (often spicing the Van Go day with sounds of jackhammers and a light perfume of toxic chemicals).

You will probably agree that Van Go is soon to be world-famous, not unlike your local burger joint's curly fries.

JAMS artists return Monday, March 24, so peep us then!

Day 20: Time for a break

2008-03-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

Wow, week 5 of the spring JAMS session is over (way to score Employee of the Week, Sierra). The eco-sculptures are coming along quite nicely--each day, they're adorned with another glorious touch, such as a discarded bike wheel or a rusted-out fondue pot. For now, though, the artists are off to enjoy spring break next week. Please check in next week anyway-- we'll update you on other Van Go stuff, such as building renovations and the mighty staff!

Day 19: Just another day on the job

2008-03-13T13:18:00.001-07:00

Van Go might be the only place in the world today where someone was sawing into a rubber tire.

One JAMS artist fancied a piece of tire for her eco-tower, and Mr. Jim offered some help. Then a few more people offered some help. Still, the tire persevered and remains intact.

Scorecard:
Tire - 1 / Van Go - 0

Please check back for updates on this continuing battle.

Day 18: Sculpting

2008-03-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

Those totem-ish towers we've been showing you are beginning to morph into creative shapes. Art instructor Cathy gave artists the freedom to interpret their vertical creations as they see fit, so some are ending up with appendages and wild off-shoots.

Day 17: String theory

2008-03-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

In keeping with the current JAMS session's environmental theme, artists read The Earth Game, by Pam Conrad, about how individual actions have real effects on the planet. Taking a page (so to speak) directly from the story, artists connected themselves by wrapping twine around their fingers. When one person tugged, everyone felt the effects.

Artists then shared things they would change about their behaviors, and placed their corners of the twine on the floor. The final challenge involved stepping point-to-point to exit the newly formed twine-agon without bumping into others. The real-life idea is that we each follow our own path, which in turn affects the paths of others. We are all connected, including Mother Earth! Or, in the words of Lauryn Hill (and Diana Ross, and probably a lot of Buddhists), "Everything is everything!"

Day 16: Totally totem

2008-03-07T08:47:00.000-08:00

The fourth week of Van Go's spring JAMS session wrapped up as artists completed their vertical story paintings. (In case you're just joining us, these paintings include nature symbols of the artists' identities and views of the world.) Here they are, coiled into mini-totems!

Now, on to the big daddies... These gigantoriffic bases, made of wood, cardboard, newspaper, glue and cement, eventually will be adorned with found objects and painted with symbols explored through artists' vertical paintings.

In other news, Sam took home the prize for Employee of the Week. He also found out he was accepted to not one but THREE prestigious art institutes, which is his post-graduation plan. Artistic skill is not a requirement for working in JAMS, but Sam happens to be one artsy-fartsy fellow. Congrats!

Day 15: Random shots

2008-03-06T09:07:00.000-08:00

Kayleigh's FBI hat inspired a challenge during the group meeting of JAMS artists: Give FBI new meaning.
Daiyna offered "Female, Black and Intelligent." Nice!

Once a week, JAMS-ers learn about big life issues--everything from domestic violence to nutrition--through Life Skills sessions led by Van Go social worker Maren and community members. Today's visitor was Marcia, the director of Headquarters Counseling Center. She talked to the artists about personal crises and how to get help. Thanks for stopping by, Marcia!

Day 14: Structure

2008-03-06T08:38:00.000-08:00

In addition to 14- to 18-year-olds in the JAMS program, Van Go serves older youth, age 18-21, through the Life JAMS program. Life JAMS focuses on the unique needs of that age group: employment, housing, college, finding the right path. Life JAMS pitched in with the spring JAMS project (which, in case you're just joining us, involves personal, totem-like structures pieced together by "found objects" that might have ended up in a landfill... currently known as "Eco-Divas") by creating the bases for the structures. A carpet roll and a little newspaper.... Voila! It's all firmly planted in a cement foundation.

Day 13: Picture stories

2008-03-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

The fourth week of JAMS kicked off with artists dictating the story behind their vertical paintings. Van Go staffer Jane got the amazing tales down on paper. Maybe the artists will stick a copy inside their sculptures?

Check out Jeremy's story, and the painting that represents it:

"My painting represents me as a life form with other life forms growing within other life forms. I’m developing and learning, changing. My roots are strong and provide shelter and strength for other living beings. I may have my faults and my weaknesses but when I die I want to have changed the world."

Day 12: Critical mass

2008-02-29T12:46:00.000-08:00

The artists provided constructive criticism on one another's vertical paintings, and then made finishing touches accordingly. Also, Daiyna took home the prize for employee of the week. Congrats to the JAMS crew for three weeks of hard work, environmental awareness and creative expression!

Day 11: Down by the river

2008-02-29T12:35:00.000-08:00

JAMS artists wondered along the Kansas River (a.k.a. "the Kaw") to find items for their eco-sculptures. They came back with sticks, glass bottles and other sundry treasures. By the way, the friendly lady in shades is volunteer extraordinaire Susan. Volunteers play a big role in keeping JAMS jamming.

Then Nancy from CMEF (Community Mercantile Education Foundation) stopped by to share some nutrition info and whip up tasty treats. The Merc, Lawrence's local food co-op, is a long-time friend to Van Go!

Day 10: Professional artists

2008-02-27T11:17:00.000-08:00

Social work intern Amy shared images of artwork similar to the current JAMS project-- "found objects" re-invented as creative masterpieces. And JAMS artists finished up those vertical storytelling paintings.

Day 9: Do something

2008-02-27T10:53:00.000-08:00

JAMS artists started Week 3 of the spring program by making personal pledges to recycle selected items. Danielle pledged to use the blank side of used printer-paper when possible. Laticha pledged to recycle newspapers from her home. Midori pledged to recycle clothing--sock rags, anyone? Most artists pledged to collect pop cans and get them to a local recycling spot.

But wait, there's a twist! Artists will incorporate their chosen recyclables into their individidual eco-sculptures.

By the way, this is Lauren, who lends her creative skills and fun personality to the JAMS operation. On a given day this spring, she might pick up JAMS artists after school, lead a reading-discussion on recycling, and help participants with their paintings. She can also cycle a mountain bike faster than you can drive your car.

Cement is fun!

2008-02-27T10:38:00.000-08:00

Two weeks of the JAMS program behind them, art director Cathy and JAMS director Mr. Jim spent Friday afternoon playing with cement. They're trying to fashion a solid foundation for the JAMS artists' eco-sculptures. Since the artists don't work on Fridays, it's the perfect day for staff to tackle these sorts of tasks.

Day 8: More paintin'

2008-02-22T09:41:00.000-08:00

Pop quiz: What did JAMS artist Kyle do today?
a. Wear a cardboard cylinder on his head.
b. Lead a discussion with the question, "If you were a giant clam, what color would you be?"
c. Win employee of the week.
ANSWER: All of the above.

Meanwhile, the group continued working on their awesome vertical paintings of symbols representing themselves and our planet.

Day 7: Small world

2008-02-20T14:42:00.000-08:00

JAMS artists viewed a cool website that whittles the world down to 100 people. As in, if you have a bed, closet and roof over your head, you're richer than 75 other people in the world. Check it out: www.miniature-earth.com.

Out on "the floor," artists got back to painting vertical storylines.

Mr. Jim to the rescue! He specializes in tough love.

Day 6: Personal symbols

2008-02-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

JAMS artists begin and end each day in a circle. They discuss JAMS tasks at hand, and have a chance to share personal stuff during the "stress-o-meter." Each artist gives a number, 0-10, to represent his or her stress level that day. What's your number at the moment, fair blog reader?

Now, on to business! JAMS artists finished painting their personal symbols, which include everything from the natural elements to smiley faces to broken hearts.

This is art director Cathy showing off some sweet symbol action.

This is program director Jim, a.k.a. Mr. Jim. He is the "boss" of the JAMS work experience. Isn't he scary? Just kidding.

Day 5: Deep thoughts

2008-02-19T13:24:00.000-08:00

The spring JAMS art project is coming into focus as individual totem-ish structures of "found objects," embodying artists' ideas of themselves and the world around them. You know, who are you and why are you on this planet and could you please interpret that with a 3-D art piece preferably made of trash? No small feat, but the JAMS artists are up to the challenge. Yesterday art director Cathy led a painting exercise on "vertical storytelling"--a ladder of symbols that tells a tale, as with totem poles. And on-staff literary maven Jane led a writing exercise: describe your favorite place without naming it. Here's what apprentice artist Randall, age 15, wrote:

"All of these gateways opening and closing before my eyes. The comfort in the chairs and the safety of the walls. So many ways to escape this place but still be safely here. Tethered here but gone so far away. So intense you can taste the food, smell the aromas. I can hear the voices of the people of those places. The excitement, the fear, the depression and joy--you feel them all. And just know that, if you so choose, you can take one gateway with you."

Randall's favorite place? The library.

Day 4: Beauty is in the eye of the trash beholder.

2008-02-18T08:29:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day was a perfect time for a field trip to the home of East Lawrence artist KT Walsh, whose front yard is a love letter to objects others would toss. ("Dear defunct bath tub, I fancy your lovely porcelain curves. Will you be my flower planter forever? Yours, KT") JAMS artists got a kick out of KT's wild, found-object artistry, which inspired some ideas for the current JAMS mission--to recycle sundry items into sculptural, self-reflective art pieces. (Photo of KT Walsh stolen from Lawrence.com. Thanks.)

Day 3: R-E-S-P-E-C-T

2008-02-18T08:12:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, February 13, apprentice artists talked about respect--in the workplace, for the environment, and of themselves. Maren, the Van Go social worker, led a discussion of respectful behaviors at work. Later, artists brainstormed ways to reduce the carbon footprints they had calculated. And Cathy, the Van Go art director, led youth in painting personal symbols that honor their identities and later will be incorporated into large, eco-themed art projects. Sock it to me!

Day 2: What's your footprint?

2008-02-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

On the second day of the spring JAMS session, apprentice artists took quizzes to determine their "carbon footprints." Things like meat consumption, transportation habits and trash creation contribute to this "footprint," which is essentially how much havoc you wreak on Mother Earth.

Overheard: "It takes 37 acres to sustain my lifestyle. I had sort of an epiphany today: I need to make some changes." --Sam, 18, apprentice artist

Spring JAMS: Van Go Green

2008-02-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

Welcome! The spring session of JAMS kicked off yesterday with 21 awesome young people. They learned their mission for the next eight weeks: to create three-dimensional structures from "found objects," better known as "junk." By using plastic bottles, aluminum cans and all sorts of items that would end up in landfills, their art projects will embody the spirit of environmentalism. Throughout their artistic journey, JAMS youth will learn from local eco-experts how to reduce their own "footprints" on the world around them. Check back for (practically) daily updates on the spring JAMS journey through junk yards, informative exercises and creative expression.