Attempt # 1

Ok so couple things, 

First I apologize for what I am about to write, I am on medication. . .  'nuff said.

Second, . . . . dangit, I forgot. 

It is interesting that a lot of the people Farolyn asked (see post below) said something about art is an expression of emotions. It can be that, but it can be so much more right ? I think people who aren't educated in the arts don't know the full scope of what art has the potential to be, and often is. ESPECIALLY in collaborative art. 

This makes me want to ask you guys, what is art ?

I think this class has made me change what I defined as art. Or not really, I think I viewed certain things as artistic or as art before but I thought nobody agreed with me so I never said it. But through this class I found out that there are others who think the same way I do, glad to know I am not the only one. 

I was going to write about Mandy and my attempt last week on our project at the National Gallery but since we are presenting the ideas tomorrow in class I guess I will wait till then. 

Cross-Cultural Collaborative, Inc.

Art Junction: A Collaborative Art Space for Teachers and Students is a great site! The site offers links to multi-cultural collaborative art groups, successful group projects and much more. Check it out here.

While perusing the site I found a link to Cross-Cultural Collaborative, Inc. (CCC, Inc.) The non-profit educational organization encourages cultural exchange and understanding. The program promotes multigenerational and multicultural collaborations encouraging participants to find value in different forms of creativity. Artists from different cultures are brought together where they can get to know each other through the language of art. The organization believes that interaction between African and non-African artists enriches the creativity of both groups of people. 

The organization invites artists and scholars from all over the world to collaborate with Ghanians on projects ranging from mosaic walls to documentary films. The CCC, Inc. stated, "Most visitors to Ghana have only a superficial connection with the people. We find that by bringing people to live and work at CCC, Inc. we break down stereotypical thinking. Our participants form lasting friendships and come to appreciate not only other cultures, but their own as well." 

Visiting artists and tourists reside in the Aba House. It is a clay house with a thatched roof. The Aba House is considered a cultural center and guest house. There are 8 guest rooms with private baths. On the first floor there are 4 guest rooms, dining room, kitchen, gallery and several open spaces on the first floor. There are 4 guest rooms, the caretakers and directors rooms as well as studio space on the second floor. There is a ceramic studio in the backyard of the Aba House. Visiting artists and tourists are encouraged to live and work with Ghanians for a period of two weeks. The CCC, Inc. noted, "It is not uncommon to see children, adults, both professional and untrained collaborating with contemporary and traditional craftspeople."  

Check out the website for more information. 

Hi, Can I Ask You a Question?

(I recently had the opportunity to interview nurses and techs at Doctor's Hospital located in Greenbelt, MD. Below details my quest to help my marvelous group members, Mandy and Tina, on our current project.)

I slowly exited Room 308 A with several sheets of bright white copier paper and a blue felt tip marker. I first approached a bright eyed tech sitting at the nurses station. I introduced myself as a graduate student working on a project for class. I asked the tech to write her definition of art on a sheet of paper. After reading her co-worker's definition, she asked to write again. From this encounter, I gained enough courage to ask the nurse on duty. He scheduled an appointment to meet me later on in the evening when he finished his 'rounds.' Some participants wrote twice while others insisted that I write for them. I must say I was too afraid to ask the doctor on duty. She appeared very stern and unfriendly. I noticed the most common term used to describe art was 'expression.'