ArtPeace Shakedown!

The ArtPeace Shakedown (formerly known as the Rochester Art Shakedown) is an annual non-juried celebration of visual and performing arts that provides a positive outlet for high school students in Monroe County to express their artistic energy while using their talents to help support the Open Door Mission of Rochester through “Empty Bowls”, a nationwide fundraiser.

Background

Rochester was in need of a celebration of young artists that was not a competition, but rather an inclusive event to bring people together to appreciate and promote the arts in our community. The first Art Shakedown took place in June of 2006 at the Village Gate Mall in Rochester. Twenty area schools participated in the event with visual art displays and live performances. Art Shakedown began an alliance with local businesses: Rochester Exhibit Services and LT Rental provided event planning, display panels, lighting, and signage, Stern Properties provided the location for the event, and Merlin Press, an off-set print shop, printed publicity materials.

In May of 2007, the second Art Shakedown grew to 24 schools and over 250 pieces of artwork. The generosity from community businesses was incredible! Donations ranging from installation of display panels and lighting to free advertisements on the radio were provided. 2007 supporters included: RES Exhibit Services, LT Rental, The Sound Source, RCSD, Bry.Net Web Services, Stern Properties, Merlin International, 98 PXY, California Rollin’, Salena’s Mexican Restaurant, Bodhi’s Café and Lounge, and performers Elyssa James, The Back Porch Poets, String Theory, Tigers on the Moon with Chris Clinton, and Monroe High School’s Music & Drama department and Poetry Slam club.

Participating schools in the 2007 show were: Monroe High School, Greece Athena, School of the Arts, Charles Finney, Jefferson High School, Douglass High School, East High School, Wilson Foundation, West Irondequoit High School, Global Media Arts High School, Spencerport High School, Our Lady of Mercy High School, Hilton High School, East Rochester High School, Gates Chili High School, Eastridge High School, Greece Arcadia High School, Webster Thomas High School, Bishop Kearney High School, Eastern Monroe Career Center, Brighton High School, BOCES 2, Wheatland Chili High School, and Nazareth Academy.

A New Partnership

In 2008 the Rochester Art Shakedown became The ArtPeace Shakedown by merging with ArtPeace, Inc., a Rochester-based not-for-profit organization that educates young people through arts and technology integration. The Shakedown aligns beautifully with ArtPeace’s mission to create social change through the arts. ArtPeace has been a part of community arts events (such as ArtWalk) for years and this was an opportunity to host an event that shines a light on the amazing talents expressed by the young people of the City of Rochester and Monroe County.

Kristin Rapp, Founder & Executive Director of ArtPeace, wanted to share that “ArtPeace is thrilled to be a part of this successful yearly event! This is what we are about - showing off the work of young artists that also actively demonstrates to the entire community that people from all different areas of Greater Rochester – urban, suburban and rural – can come together in peaceful ways, through ART, which knocks over all boundaries. This is an opportunity for even the quietest or most misunderstood kid to share a piece of themselves in a painting that is hung in the gallery showcase, or for kids who are sometimes pushed aside to express in BIG ways through spoken word art, singing to a crowd of people or dancing! Shakedown is the essence of what ArtPeace is all about!” For more information about ArtPeace, visit their website at www.ArtPeace.org

Definition

Our event, The ArtPeace Shakedown, is a free exhibition open to all high school artists in Monroe County. Any visual medium, including but not limited to the mediums of drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media, are eligible. Performing artists, poets, and musicians are also welcome to enter. Teachers and local professionals who have a connection to the arts are encouraged to participate by submitting a piece of their own art work.

Exhibition Space

All artwork will be displayed in the atrium level gallery at the Village Gate Mall located at 274 North Goodman Street. Overnight security will be provided.

Eligibility

All current high school students in Monroe County are eligible for this exhibition. Teachers can submit one piece of artwork or photography per student to be put on display. All two-dimensional works must be matted and/or securely wired and ready to hang. Any artist entering sculpture must provide and install their own stands or exhibition quality output device(s). In addition, performing artists will be selected to provide entertainment for the event.

Potential Benefits

The Shakedown fosters the collaboration between area schools, area artists, and the Rochester business community. This provides an opportunity for high school students from across the county to appreciate each other’s work and interact with one another, while learning every aspect of organizing and executing a community art show. In 2009, the ArtPeace Shakedown awarded $1000 scholarships to three college-bound seniors who participated in the show. Any college-bound senior who exhibits in the 2010 show is eligible to participate in the Shakedown scholarship contest. A silent auction will be conducted throughout the weekend of the show. Proceeds of the auction will benefit the Open Door Mission.

Please contact event coordinator Sue Hollister via Email for more information!

Site by Mark Osterling