Artist reception: Art for Kids Sake

During the past few years I have been involved in a handful of community arts projects with the support of Great West Institute that are now on display at the Sorenson Unity Center(1383 South 900 West, SLC). Here’s the scoop and a postcard announcement for the reception (December 8, 6pm) attached:

Art for Kids Sake: Children and Imagination from around the world

Community Arts Projects by Chris Peterson    Photographs by Rebekah Sosa

The art on display at the Sorenson Unity Center is about the imagination and potential of kids from around the world. By nurturing wonder and creativity in children, the community art projects of Great West Institute seek to empower and collaborate with grassroots leaders for a better future.

The Ugandan Mural Project, with 160 orphans from war-torn Northern Uganda introduced to paint for the first time and covering every square inch of a building with the pictures from their heads. The ArtPark Experiment at Tracy Aviary is highlighted in pictures: the parkspace designed BY KIDS FOR KIDS in a collaborative process designed to nurture children’s innate affinity with nature with the help of Salt Lake City children and elementary schools. Large murals created by students from Dilworth Elementary as part of the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program highlight lessons about seasons, community, and wild animals. Large portraits of children from impoverished rural villages in Guatemala and Kenya that are partners with Choice Humanitarian: now providing the simple opportunities of education and health. And finally, the State Street Mural Project, with “Radioactive Duk” and a call for artists to join a local movement of collaboration with children’s groups in Salt Lake’s original neighborhoods.  For more information, visit www.gr8west.org.