By Anna Buss
More than 400 students will have their art pieces exposed at the Ninth Annual Pasadena Unified Student Art Show – No Boundaries 9” – at Paseo Colorado Mall this year.
Viewers will see a variety of pieces “from drawings to paintings, collages, sculpture, ceramics and video,” says Jennifer Olson, PUSD Arts Coordinator. Also, live performances will take place from February 28th until March 14th.
“The exhibition also makes students feel like ‘real artists,’ with their artworks on view in a professionally curated exhibition, which makes them take their own creative endeavors more seriously,” she says.
Each school can submit a maximum of 10-32 works of art, depending on whether they are an elementary, middle or high school. The artists’ ages range from 4 to 18. Art Representatives at each school are responsible to select the artwork that represents that school. “We ask the Art Reps to emphasize quality over quantity,” Olson says.
The event will kick things off with an Opening Reception this Friday, February 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the former Loehmann’s Department Store.
“Paseo is wonderfully supportive of our public schools,” says Olson. “For example, our students have performed in the Garfield Promenade at Paseo as part of Pasadena Educational Foundation fundraisers, they hosted the opening event for the documentary “Go Public: A Day in the Life of an American School District” (which features PUSD), and they showcase PUSD’s winning entries in the Tournament of Roses’ “Parade of Roses” art contest every year.”
“As a result,” she adds, “Hosting No Boundaries is an extension of an already positive relationship.”
Besides its partnership with Paseo Colorado, PUSD also joined forces with the Pasadena Educational Foundation.
Another addition this year of PUSD’s exhibit is inclusion of the ArtNight Pasadena tour, which takes place March 14th. “We are also very excited about the possibility of ArtNight Pasadena drawing in shoppers and art lovers from all points,” Olson says.
Event organizers expect anywhere from 4,000 to 5,000 people to visit during the 16 days of the exhibit because of the new location.
“Typically, opening night draws about 800 people,” Olson says. “This year we are an ArtNight Pasadena partner and a stop on the shuttle bus route, which we anticipate will bring about 3,000 people. The remainder comes in during our open hours.”
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Gallery Hours Saturday and Sunday 1:00 – 4:00 PM Monday through Friday 3:00 – 6:00 PM Exhibit runs: February 28 – March 16 |
“The community benefits with this event because this exhibition is to combat that perception that public schools have ‘no art’,” Olson adds. “Many public officials, board members at community arts organizations, and other stakeholders are invited to attend the event, so they can see how well the arts are thriving in PUSD.”
The event is free, and ninety minutes free parking will be made available at the Paseo Colorado garage. Validation can be done near escalator to parking.
For more information: 626-396-3600, 88129, www.gopusd.com/arts. The former Loehmann’s Department Store is located at 248 East Colorado Boulevard.