Friday, October 23, 2009

Toxic Gowanus Canal: Local Teens Create " Airborne Contaminants" Masks

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Local artist and activist Triada Samaras just sent me the photos above from a project she worked on with local teens at Starting Artists, the non-profit organization that benefits under-served teenagers in Brooklyn through hands on training in the arts and entrepreneurship. Nice to know that the kids are getting involved in "saving the canal" that runs through their neighborhood. Great Job!

I'll let Triada tell you more:


Local teens from Starting Artists started an "Airborne Contaminants Masks" project this week at their local, artspace at 211 Smith Street in response to their feelings about living near the polluted waters and banks of the toxic Gowanus Canal. After a presentation by Brooklyn Utopias? Exhibition Curator, Katherine Gressel, and by participating and visiting artists, Triada Samaras, and Susan Konvit, these teens artists expressed deep concern over their health and safety in the event of a Gowanus Canal clean-up.

The on-going mask project, which may include works in other art/s media, will be a testament to their feelings. The teens expressed a clear desire for the safest and most comprehenive Gowanus Canal clean-up available to the public. Many live close enough to the canal to smell it on a "bad" day and cross it daily on their way to school and back.

The "Airborne Contaminants Masks" project that will be submitted in early November to the Brooklyn Utopias? Teen Art Exhibition at Starting Artists.

All Brooklyn Teens are eligible to submit an art work to this show.
Brooklyn middle and high school students: click here to submit artwork to the Brooklyn Utopias? Submissions DUE NOVEMBER 5!


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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

you have filled the void left by guskind's death, thanks for your wonderful blog

Kelly said...

Thanks so much, Anon.
That is quite a compliment and I feel very honored.

art critic said...

As a Gowanus resident, I find this project a bit offensive and it seems like the creator is putting the ideas into the childrens' minds. She could of come up with something much better regarding this issue, which IS important, but don't use children to get your message out, please!

Kelly said...

Dear Art Critic,

This project involved teenagers who are part of this community, know the issues and have their own opinion.
They have a right to contribute to the dialogue.
I hardly think they were used.