|
Art on the Green at a glance:
The mission statement for Art on the Green is "Fostering Community Pride by Promoting Public Art and Creativity for the Citizens of Green River"
This program exists to support and encourage the expression of a variety of arts for the citizens of Green River and visitors; to enjoy now and for the benefit of generations to come. A goal of the GRAC is to increase community awareness of the arts and culture, which will benefit individuals, establish community identity, and increase economic strength.
The Green River Arts Council (GRAC) is a Board/Commission appointed by the Mayor and Green River City Council. These volunteers work closely with the Parks and Recreation Department in planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating the annual Art On the Green Event. The GRAC collaborates with the Green River Community Chest, a 501 c 3 non-profit entity. Other arts events are promoted to foster involvement and are planned as opportunities arise.
The first Art on the Green was held in August 2005 and held in conjunction with the Annual Green River Chamber of Commerce River Festival called the Powell Plunge at the time. The "Reveal" or unveiling of 11 bronze sculptures and a "Live Sculpting" event was a beginning. Artists worked to the theme of "Life on the Green," which dealt with anything that relates to The Green River, a theme that has continued throughout.
The 5th Annual Art on the Green will be held August 21st and 22, 2009 at the Expedition Island Park Pavilion.
Events of Art on the Green:
Artists are selected to loan their artwork for public display for one year. During the loan cycle, Green River Arts Council displays, promotes, and makes available for purchase the artwork to individuals and businesses within the community. Profits of 20 percent goes to the GRAC and 80 percent goes to the artist. The 20% to the council is used for furthering the purchase of more art, advertising and other needs. Moneys from the city are also used to further art programs. At the beginning of the annual event, a reveal or unveiling of the coming year's artwork occurs.
When art is purchased, the business or group or individuals are recognized and a ribbon cutting is held.
Artists come together to compete in a Live Sculpting and 2 Dimentional art creation event. Professional, Semi-professional and student artists work for 24 hours inside the Pavilion, starting at 2 PM on Friday and ending at 2 PM on Saturday. Judging determines the $4,000 purse winners.
A silent auction has become popular where artists receive 80% of the proceeds and GRAC 20%.
A Kids Creation Corner is expanding the sculpting experience for children to include painting and Passport to Creativity is another avenue for kids to get involved with the arts.
Dinner was held for the first time in 2008. A live auction followed, again with an 80/20% split to artists and GRAC. Sponsorships are sought and recognized.
A Legacy Program exists for family or groups within the community to purchase art toward a worthy purpose. Recognition with a plaque is presented and names are publicized.
A scholarship program is in the works and will be presented during the 2008-2009 cycle.
Art on the Green has been advertised in top art magazines and throughout the region. Plans exist to make this event a fun time for all involved and we encourage all readers to spread the word. We want to celebrate art!
To date, there have been 11 works of art that reside within our community. A map detailing the locations of artwork can be attained at the Parks and Recreation Department.
|
