“STREET ART: Graffiti Gives Back” Opening
Arts Brookfield teams-up with the artists of Access Gallery for the upcoming exhibition STREET ART: Graffiti Gives Back opening June 7 at 1801 California with a free opening reception from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Graffiti Gives Back, a program at Access Gallery as well as the subtitle of the exhibition, serves the community by pairing people with dementia and Alzheimer’s with street artists who teach them their craft.
Through July 27, canvasses of various size created by teams of artists and students will electrify the lobby walls at 1801 California with themes including connection, communication and legacy. Graffiti artists Josiah Lopez, Javier Flores and A.J. Kiel will be featured in the show. Participants from art groups and organizations that are collaborating to create the art include Easter Seals and Access Gallery’s programs Artworks which a program focusing on teenagers and Granny Does Graffiti which focuses on the elderly community.
“By bringing street art into 1801 California, Arts Brookfield once again provides free, unique art to the downtown community,” states David Sternberg, Executive Vice President of Brookfield Properties. “Featuring Graffiti Gives Back through the partnership with Access Gallery adds a singular level of collaboration we seldom see in this building and truly enriches the downtown office experience.”
Access Gallery, which has been serving the community for 40 years and is an integral part of the Art District on Santa Fe, encourages and promotes creative, educational and economic opportunities for people with disabilities to access, experience and benefit from the arts.
“At its core, much of the goal of graffiti is to leave your mark, to show that you were here,” says Damon McLeese, Executive Director of Access Gallery. “This is a familiar sentiment of many people with disabilities from all walks of life. The award-winning Graffiti Gives Back program, pairs graffiti artists with groups not normally associated with graffiti.”
The opening reception on June 7 will feature the Art-O-Mat Machine which dispenses small paintings by the young artists from Access Gallery for $5. The sales from the Art-O-Mat Machine and the sales from the works in the show will provide necessary funds for the artists and Access Gallery’s multiple art programs.
For more information, please visit www.ArtsBrookfield.com.