August 11, 2008

Art will be popping up in Dayton city parks this summer, likely accompanied by lots of trash. Participants in Dayton’s Teen Employment Readiness Program are using their creativity to turn 120 of the city’s old green trashcans into landscapes, nature scenes, streetscapes, or whatever strikes their fancy.

“The kids are loving it,” program director Robin Waller said.

About 175 kids are participating in the five-week program, working at 32 sites around the city, doing everything from clerical to custodial work and park cleanup. Twenty are involved in the trashcan painting project.

“They started out apprehensive and shy saying, ‘I’m not an artist,’ “ Waller said. “I think it’s drawing out skills participants didn’t know they had.”

The idea to spruce up the trashcans came from Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin, a supporter of anti-litter programs. The effort takes an ugly situation and makes it pretty, while showcasing young talent. “I’m looking forward to seeing (the trash cans) in our parks,” the mayor said.

Participants receive a $150 stipend after successfully completing two weeks in the employment readiness program and $225 at the end of the fifth and final week. All work 20 hours a week over three days. In addition to location'specific tasks, they also learn basic employment skills such as how to fill out a job application and successful interviewing.

Waller said the program has a long waiting list and donations to expand it would be most welcome.

For more information, call the Department of Recreation and Youth Services at 937-333-8400.

Denver has planned to host an event that showcases many forms of contemporary art and ideas from various regions of the Americas. It will provide a new home for the world’s art biennial exhibition. The August issue of Hispanic Magazine reported that Denver’s Mayor John Hickenlooper announced a $2 million grant provided by the Colorado-based Boettcher Foundation. This grant will allow Denver to host the inaugural Biennial of the Americas, which will take place during Summer 2010. The two-month long event will feature two cultural exhibitions: one fair will focus on contemporary arts in the Americas, and another display will be designated an “ideas pavilion,” which explores a wide range of themes and topics such as science and urban planning. Hickenlooper proclaims, “We will bring together and showcase the best contemporary artists of all the Americas in what will become one of the major art celebrations in this part of the world.” The budget for the event is expected to be approximately $5 to $6 million.