A call to action for Alameda art lovers.
50 youth from Alternatives in Action will host Alameda Art Murmur to Highlight Importance of the Arts.
Alameda, CA, May 5, 2011 - On May 20, high school students from schools across the island who participate in Alternative’s in Actions Civic Engagement after school program will host the “Alameda Art Murmur” to raise awareness about the vulnerable state and importance of art on the island, especially in schools.
The Alameda Art Murmur is a collaborative effort of Alameda art programs, ranging from high schools in Alameda to the Frank Bette Center for the Arts, showcasing the plethora of artistic talent our island has to offer. Young people leading the project want to bring attention to the true value of artistic self-expression and the role that it plays in their community. Designed to highlight the precarious perch art programs have been on these past few years, particularly in the schools, the youth project leaders also want the event to help community members recognize the protection these programs need to ensure that they will be around for others to enjoy.
The youth planners hope the Alameda Art Murmur will become an annual event on the island showcasing the talent, need and support Alamedans have for art. Youth program participant Bernadette Steele is inspired by the potential this project has to turn the perception of art in Alameda around. “Right now art is kind of taken for granted, we see it all around us but I don’t think people recognize what our island would be like if the art wasn’t there.”
Dominic Disarufino, a youth from the Alameda Community Learning Center explains: “Developing the Alameda Art Murmur, we want every artist to feel like this is their night and every Alameda resident to take pride in all the art the island has to offer,” At the event, they will unveil a unique gallery featuring art work from the Frank Bette Center for the Arts, Alameda High School's Regional Occupational Program, the Alameda Community Learning Center, Encinal High School, Alternatives in Action’s Bay Area School of Enterprise, Saint Joseph's Notre Dame and others.
Yoath like Bernadette and Dominic are working hard to tie up all the loose ends for the community event which will take place Friday, May 20th, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Alternatives in Action’s Bay Area School of Enterprise located at 1900 3rd Street in West Alameda. For more information or to put the youth in contact with other local artists/art programs, contact the Civic Engagement Coach, Justin Harrison at JHArrison@alternativesinaction.org, call 510-748-4314 ext 312 or visit www.alternativesinaction.org.
Alternatives in Action is a non-profit organization that works with youth who have leadership potential and prepares them for college, career AND community. Through education, skills-building, and real world experiences, Alternatives in Action helps young people, many of whom would otherwise fall through the cracks, become successful, contributing adults and leaders in their community. Alternatives in Action’s West Alameda after school programs, with projects like Civic Engagement, are one of the ways that Alternatives in Action helps young people reach their potential. Other programs include Alternatives in Action’s Bay Area School of Enterprise and Home Sweet Home Preschool in Alameda and comprehensive community school initiatives at McClymonds High School and Life Academy in Oakland. For more information, visit the Alternatives in Action website at www.alternativesinaction.org or call (510) 748-4314.
