Artology Students Exhibit Original Art Works in Kensington

Philadelphia, PA – July 22, 2007 – The apprehension of 24 city youth, ages 9 to 14, quickly turned to delight as they clambered over the rocky Wissahickon creek bed on a recent steamy Monday afternoon. Despite living just minutes away from Fairmount Park, the country’s largest urban park system, many of these young people had never been in a creek before.

The students are taking part in an innovative summer camp, Artology, now in its second year, sponsored by BuildaBridge, a nonprofit arts intervention and education organization based in Germantown. At Artology, a dynamic, holistic educational program integrating art and biology, students explore the city’s natural and cultural resources while developing artistic and academic skills. Art work they create during the 3-week camp will be displayed for public viewing at an art exhibit opening Friday evening, August 1, at Coral Street Arts House in Kensington.

On the first day of camp, shouts of discovery echoed through the valley as students encountered strange insects, mica-covered rocks, and the partially decomposed skeleton of a snake – all of which will serve as inspiration to create original works of art inspired by the work of sculptor Andy Goldsworthy. Artology student Kadianne Almodovar, age 11, says she likes Artology because “We always go on adventures, and we’re never bored.”

Daily activities at Artology include hands-on lessons about contemporary artists like Goldsworthy, and introductions to subjects including archaeology, botanical illustration, and environmental water testing. Students start off the day with a drumming or dance circle, followed by field trips to sites such as Fairmount Park’s Japanese House and Garden, the Wissahickon Environmental Center, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Artology’s staff includes five graduate students in medicine and creative arts therapy from the Bridging the Gaps Community Health Internship Program.

The camp was conceived and is directed by Lead Artist-in-Residence, Charlene Melhorn, and is co-led by middle school biology teacher David Scott. Says Melhorn, “Artology is about making a safe and inspiring place to learn and create. At Artology, we address all learning styles, and encourage our students to strive to meet their full potential. If we can nurture internal motivation and inquiry, our students will be prepared for further artistic and scientific study or any career pursuit they put their minds to.”

BuildaBridge’s Community Programs in Philadelphia serve low-income children and families, many of whom are coping with homelessness. The Artology program uses space and facilities provided by BuildaBridge community partner, Second Baptist Church of Germantown, located at Upsal Street and Germantown Avenue.

Artology will culminate with a public art exhibit, opening Friday, August 1 from 6-9 pm at Coral Street Arts House in Kensington, 2446 Coral Street, 19125.  The event is free and open to the public. Students will be present to discuss their art work, some of which will be available for purchase. The exhibit will continue Mondays through Fridays from 9-5 pm, August 4-27. For more information, please call 215-842-0428 ext. 12. Website: www.buildabridge.org