The eight oldest artists were all in eighth grade. They spent 2018, the eighth year of Youth Art Team, envisioning the team’s next phase together.
The artists discussed the Youth Art Team’s accomplishments, their dreams for the group, and what they would do differently. They also helped lead several projects this year.
“We go from pencil and paper to painting on a wall – that’s so cool. I can do things that are bigger without limitations.”
– Project 8 artist
PROJECT 8 artists sent the lead team out to five locations and asked them to brainstorm ideas for new public art projects. Younger students were challenged by PROJECT 8 to design new team shirts. Two elementary-age artists transferred the design to computer using Adobe Illustrator. Three PROJECT 8 artists became Summer Camp Student Assistants, guiding younger artists who painted murals for the Fourth Street Bridge. PROJECT 8 called upon young artists to help create and sell buttons!
What is PROJECT 8 saying?
One young artist expressed a key Youth Art Team principle: “It’s important to include all of the team – especially the younger kids so they don’t feel left out.”
“Youth Art Team sees through race and ethnicity,” another PROJECT 8 artist said. “It recognizes that we’re all different, but that doesn’t matter because we’re all one team. People come together to make one amazing art work and that’s universal for all of us.“
Some of the PROJECT 8 students joined Youth Art Team’s core team when they were in kindergarten. “We’ve gotten to know each other so well over eight years,” noted Youth Art Team director and artist Heidi Fuchtman. “We know that relationships and quality matter.”
This is awesome. What can I do?!
PROJECT 8 expressed a desire for the Youth Art Team to become a community where young people with creative dreams can come and learn how to translate their ideas into action.
We need your help to build this kind of opportunity for more young people in our area!
Support developing leaders!
PROJECT 8 was funded in part by the Waterloo Community Foundation.