#sparc!theArtMobile

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ART2GO

Last week sparc! the ArtMobile teamed up with Transformative Culture Project, April’s Arts & Culture, The Museum of Fine Arts, and Grove Hall Public Library to launch our largest free #ART2GO bag give away yet! 

Over 250 bags were given away in two and a half days at three locations. It took a lot of hands to assemble the supplies but teamwork made the dream work! Even the chilly, windy weather did not slow us down! There were lots of smiles and gratitude for ART2GO, a project that invites people of all ages to tap into their creativity.

Lots of fun supplies in each bag.

Please share you ART2GO creations using the hashtag #sparctheartmobile.

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Makanda Project's Fall Concert with sparc! the ArtMobile & MAAM

Beatriz holding a pallet and paint brush seated in front of her canvas smiling at the camera

ARTing while listening to live jazz music 🎶 - what could make for a better Saturday afternoon? 

sparc! the ArtMobile loved being out in the neighborhood with @maamboston this past weekend, connecting with our communities, offering up an art activity, and watching @massartboston student Beatriz Whitehill (‘22) @beatrizzzamelia paint to the live music being played by the Makanda Jazz Project.

Mother and daughter smiling at the camera holding their decorated journals

A painting depicting musicians playing music in a park.

#sparc!theartmobile 

#MAAMboston

#artinthepark

#roxburylove

#communityart 

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PaintBox Artist: Kenyatta Blue

What is your art background? What made you the artist you are today?

Self Taught artist, life experiences & observations, the inspiration drawn from those experiences have made me the artist I am today.

What are some people, events, topics, etc. that inspire your work? 

Social Issues that are ignored are my biggest inspiration, Art gives me the ability to bring to light matters that are discussed on a regular basis.

What type of art do you make and how will this project be different or similar? 

My artwork is abstract, my paintboxes will feature quotes with an abstract illustration that's makes the words visual, my paintboxes are an extension of my collection of paintings entitled The Abstract Phrases Collection.  

What do you think is the purpose of public art?

To beautify the neighborhood as well as speak to the culture that the particular area embodies.

Are you familiar with the Blue Hill Ave. community? If yes how so? 

I live in the Grove Hall community within walking distance of Blue Hill Ave.

What message are you trying to send to this community with your PaintBoxes?

Inspiration and enlightenment

Do you plan to continue making public art works? Why? 

Yes as an artist public artwork is great exposure and it ties the artist to the community that the artwork is located in

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“I like coming to Paint Nights because it is really relaxing. I have brought my daughters here as well, but even when they are not with me I still come because I feel like this is a place that gives me the space to create. Everyone has that urge to make in them and this is a place where all of things I make are nurtured and encouraged.”- Paint Night Participant 

The images above are from sparc! and Project RIGHT’s Paint Night at Grove Hall.

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TEXTURES Opening Reception

The sparc! team’s very own Chanel Thervil and Flolynda Jean recently collaborated to create a site specific installation called TEXTURES for Haley House Bakery Cafe in Dudley, MA. In the images below, you can see people partying it up at the opening reception.

In the duo’s artist statement they describe TEXTURES as “an abstract art installation celebrating the essence of hair. As a complement to our belief in hair as an ornament of one’s self, we have used varying combinations of materials and patterns to highlight the individuality of textures present from head to head. We have also chosen shades of purple to serve as the unifying element. The use of purple has a rich history as the color assigned to royalty dating back to ancient times, a perfect ode to one’s natural crown.”

From the looks of the image below, the artists are pretty proud of their work!

TEXTURES will be installed at Haley House Bakery Cafe until October 30th, so if you don’t get a chance to drop by and admire it in person, you can view their artist websites below.

For more art by Chanel, check out chanelthervil.com

For more art by Flolynda, check out www.Art4theSpirit.etsy.com 

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Staff Spotlight: Iris Lapaix

Iris Lapix is our MACC AmeriCorps VISTA for sparc! the ArtMobile

Food that reminds you of home: Sancocho, it's a Dominican stew with tons of spices, vegetables, and carne de rez.  

Favorite things to do in Boston: I love to go to Boston Commons to paint, read, and relax. I like to go to different parks to play on the swings. You are never too old!

What type of art do you do? I like to paint, use charcoal for drawing, and I love to write.

What do you love about working with The Center for Art and Community Partnerships (CACP)? I love the atmosphere of the office and the energy that everyone who comes in gives to us. It's very positive and welcoming. What do you like best about working sparc! events? Free art. People don't have to pay to be involved and there's no limit in age requirements of people who can participate.

What do you want to leave people with after engaging with them? I want them to feel inspired to continue trying and doing more art!

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Makanda Summer Sizzler