The Eclipse Project
The MSJC Art Gallery, California Family Life Center and Worth Visual Arts are pleased to present a.r.t.e.r.y.ʼs 2020-21 The Eclipse Project exhibit. This exhibition marks the fourteenth collaboration with California Family Life Center and MSJC.
“An eclipse takes place when one heavenly body such as a moon or planet moves into the shadow of another heavenly body.” (NASA). With lunar and solar eclipses we experience the passing and alignment of our heavenly bodies creating a beautiful and miraculous encounter. Likewise, seniors, children and youth come together to share their past and present stories – an ecliptic encounter revealing life’s experiences bridging generations.The Eclipse program focuses on youth mentors, seniors and children working together to create artworks, using mindful communication skills gaining mutual respect, trust, and friendship with one another.
This year’s exhibition focuses on clay self-portraits created by multiple generations: the California Family Life Centers (Elsinore, Hemet, & Rubidoux) a.r.t.e.r.y art mentors, Stratton Community Center senior citizens, and Kin Care. Traveling into the future... mentor and Kin Care’s (children) artists’ express their projected age by 30 plus years, forwarding their physical appearance and life stories through the artwork.
Sculptural methods are taught by mentors to aid with the creative vision and stories of their participants. Through collaborative mentoring, seniors and a.r.t.e.r.y mentors alike, think about their lives in new ways, including seniors experiencing a sense of rejuvenation and inspiration to share their life stories with youth.
As a.r.t.e.r.y mentors worked with seniors and children, it inspired youth mentors to think beyond their current lives further motivating them as to how they can be of service to others. Overall, their collaborative exchange and artwork has brought a sense of understanding and appreciation between all generations. Together and sharing, they are able to build meaningful bridges between generations and understanding of each other’s life stages. Accompanying the artwork, artist journals reveal introspective stories conveying their past, present and projected changes in their lives.- Michele Worth
Mentoring, art and community service are key elements to CFLC's a.r.t.e.r.y. programs. CFLC and Worth Visual Arts were awarded the 2015 Americans for the Arts, National Association of Counties (NACo) and Honorable Mention from the Association of Counties Arts & Culture. The Eclipse Project exhibit emphasizes mentoring skills, focused on the transference of creative energy, and goals through art in the community. A.r.t.e.r.y. offers future career paths to youth, while bridging program objectives to positive endeavors within the community. By exhibiting the artwork at the MSJC Art Gallery, youth are exposed to college as a more attainable path for their future while assimilating comfortably into a college atmosphere.
The Eclipse Project exhibit has been made possible by the cooperative efforts of the Mt. San Jacinto College Art Gallery, California Family Life Centers (CFLC), Planet Youth, Rubidoux Y. O. Center and Empower Youth. Youth mentors, Kin Care, and senior artists are represented.
We wish to thank Mt. San Jacinto College Art Gallery, John Knuth & California Family Life Center. Special thanks to CFLC Executive Director Mary Jo Ramirez and CFLC’s dedicated youth mentors and staff for their support and to facilitate a creative transition to higher education through the a.r.t.e.r.y. mentor art program. Our thanks and appreciation to Stratton Community Center, & Kin Care participants.
Thank you everyone for this opportunity, your continued support throughout the pandemic challenges and the MSJC partnership!
PROGRAM & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT/INSTRUCTOR
Michele Worth, Worth Visual Arts Programs
Curriculum and program development by Michele Worth and Sarah Holbach © 2006.
CURATORIAL & EXHIBITION
Isabella Brough, Jeff & Michele Worth
GALLERY DIRECTOR
John Knuth, Mt. San Jacinto Community College Gallery
CFLC, Empower Youth a Youth Opportunity Center of Riverside County, is a proud member of the Youth Opportunity Consortium. The consortium is led by the Riverside County Workforce Development Board. This Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Title 1 financially assisted or program activity is an equal opportunity.
Thank you for visiting The Eclipse Project.