EXPRESSIONS 2008: Art by DC Youth

Gallery 31

Expressions 2008: Art by DC Youth showcased the art and creativity of young people involved in the award-winning Corcoran ArtReach program. ArtReach extends the resources of the Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design to D.C. communities through free after-school and summer art classes. Using the Corcoran’s collections as a primary resource, ArtReach fosters visual literacy, critical thinking skills, and creative expression while encouraging young people to develop meaningful connections between art and their lives.

Expressions 2008, on view from May 29 to June 22 in the Corcoran’s Gallery 31, marks the 16th anniversary of the Corcoran ArtReach program. Inspired by visits to the Corcoran’s recent temporary exhibitions, Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer’s Life, 1990–2005, Ansel Adams and Looking for the “There There:” California Art from the Collection, 1950–2000, ArtReach students created vibrant works that explore and celebrate themes such as community, identity, and creativity.

“The Corcoran is premised on the idea that everyone can experience the arts, and everyone deserves to do so. Expressions 2008 showcases a vibrant display of student work and exemplifies a truly unique dialogue between the Corcoran and its surrounding community,” said Laura Pasquini, Corcoran director of community programs.

The multimedia installation was comprised of photography, painting, charcoal, and digital media.

ABOUT CORCORAN ARTREACH
Corcoran ArtReach is a year-round, museum outreach program designed to empower D.C. youth and families to explore and trust their own creativity within the context of art appreciation and art making. ArtReach partners with community-based organizations to deliver high-quality art programs on-site in the communities it serves. Community Partners include: The Sitar Arts Center, Town Hall Education Arts and Recreation Campus (THEARC), and Saint Augustine Episcopal Church.

ArtReach programs are taught by art educators who are dedicated to nurturing young people’s creative growth through hands-on learning. They encourage students to look at, discuss, and interpret works of art in the galleries on field trips; experiment with a variety of art materials and methods; and create their own artwork inspired by these experiences. ArtReach has received awards from the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, and The National Multicultural Institute.

EXHIBITION ORGANIZATION AND SPONSORSHIP
Corcoran ArtReach extends special thanks to the following individual, corporate, and foundation donors whose generous contributions have enabled the program to serve more than 200 D.C. youth this year:

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Besharov, Capital City Chapter of The Links, Inc., Commerce Bank, D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities, Mr. and Mrs. P. Wesley Foster Jr., The Foundation for Building Bridges, Corina Higginson Trust, Mark & Carol Hyman Fund, George Preston Marshall Foundation, Mrs. Dorea S. McMahon, Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Sagalyn, Sagalyn Family Fund, Weissberg Foundation.

About Gallery 31

Gallery 31 is the Corcoran’s dedicated exhibition space for the Corcoran College of Art + Design. The space hosts exhibitions by the Corcoran’s faculty, students, alumni, visiting artists, and annual senior thesis exhibitions. The name was selected by the students, referring to the area’s previous designation as “Room 31” in original Corcoran plans. Located at the New York Avenue entrance of the Corcoran, Gallery 31 is open during Gallery hours and is free to the public.