2009 ALL CITY YOUTH VIDEO SHOWCASE
Saturday, November 21, 3 PM
Walker Art Center Cinema
Free Admission
Co-presented by the Twin Cities Youth Media Network

Check out this entertaining afternoon of films made by directors under the age 18. Ranging from a story about a man’s journey in the world of drag racing and rock and roll (Drag Racing Life) to an animated film depicting the crushing stress of life (Humpty Dumpty), the All City Youth Video Showcase is a inspiring look into the future of filmmaking. The videos are selected and curated by a panel of young filmmakers and is presented by TCYMN, a collective of 18 organizations and schools that creates programs, events and opportunities that support young filmmakers. For more information call 612.375.7683.

Featuring films by Krist Chinanader, Rory Coleman, Conner Keefe, Tamar Myers, Saada Satho, David Hoh, April Nunez, Hannah Ezzell, Jack Gorman, Leah Gossman, Aaron Hathaway, Houa Vang, Chris Traxler, Breanna Leigh EagleFeather, Mainyoua Lor, Brady Lorenzen, Maxx Appel, Alec Demgen, Murphy Johnson, Dylan Leavitt-Phibbs, Taylor McCall Landry, Allison Morse, Winonah Ojanen, Savannah Parisian, Sam Parker, Raphael Anderson, Christopher Kirkwood Jr., Ger Lor, Kathy Vang, Bao Vue, Tyler Schow, Maddy Shaw, Cindy Vue, Tiffany Lee Anne Walls, and Bao Xiong

Images (Left to Right): Noise by Sam Parker, Existence by Winonah Ojanen, and I Am Bird by Cindy Vue

Being on WACTAC for the past 2 years has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in high school. So when Witt asked Kaitlyn (2nd year WACTAC member) and I to attend the Generation O: Conference at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, I was more than thrilled to accept the offer. Although I was excited about the trip, I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew we would be meeting teenagers from around the country who were involved in similar museum related programs but I wasn’t sure what they would be like, and what I could gain from meeting these people.

Day one in Boston was a bit tiring. As soon Kaitlyn and I arrived in Boston, Witt immediately took us around the city to look at some colleges, and kind of get a feel for the area. It was Kaitlyn and my first time in Boston and I have to admit, it’s a gorgeous city. We met Rosana, the Teen Programs director at the ICA that night at dinner, as well as some other teen representatives and museum directors. It was nice to get a chance to meet people before the conference kicked off but I was too busy stuffing my face to really have a valuable dinner conversation with anyone. We ordered so much food that night. I had probably eaten enough for the whole weekend at that point…

Day two consisted of a series of presentations  from all the different Museums and teen programs, as well as a tour of the ICA and the Shepard Fairey exhibit, which was amazing! It was also great to hear all the different programs going on from Miami all the way up to Chicago.

By day three, it seemed like I knew everyone so well! The kids from the ICA showed us around Boston a little bit, and we had time to kick it at the hotel, which was nice. During the day, we had discussions on a variety of topics regarding Teen Programs in Museums and it was actually really beneficial to hear everyone’s opinions and ideas.

Day Four. No one wanted to leave!!

I was definitely inspired by this trip and I feel like I’m ready to kick off my final year on WACTAC! I would just like to say thanks to the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston and shout out to all the great people we met there! I’d also like to thank the Walker for this great experience. Look out for even more fabulous WACTAC workshops and events this year

Image:
Paul Chan Score for 7th Light , 2007
ink, collage on paper (15 sheets) 15 sheets, 14 x 11 in. Collection Walker Art Center Miriam and Erwin Kelen Acquisition Fund for Drawings and the T. B. Walker Acquisition Fund, 2008

Paul Chan is no stranger to the Walker – his film Baghdad in No Particular Order is playing daily in the Lecture Room and his piece Score for 7th Light (above) is being displayed in the galleries as a part of The Quick and the Dead. Chan is coming Walker for an Artist Talk (Sept 17) and WACTAC asked him if he would be willing to meet up and chat.  Yesterday, we took a look at some of his past projects and thought we would share the links with you.

Great New York Times article about Paul Chan’s Waiting For Godot production in New Orleans

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/02/arts/design/02cott.html

A portion of Chan’s Happiness (Finally) After 35,000 Years

http://www.nationalphilistine.com/happiness

Short descriptions and small clips of Chan’s videos

http://www.vdb.org/smackn.acgi$artistdetail?CHANP

Chan’s website

http://www.nationalphilistine.com

and some photos!
Click here to view the embedded slideshow.

The following class day, the students brought in the projects and we looked at what everyone had made. Drawings, videos, animations and photography were just a few of the different mediums the teens worked with. Looking at contemporary artists whose work addresses the same ideas, both in the galleries and books, allowed them to get inspired for further investigating their projects. That day ended with a work time to start the next project using video cameras, cell phones, voice recorders, and other neat technologies. 

Check out our flickr for photos of the workshop!

Deadline to apply: FRIDAY,  MAY 29!

What is WACTAC?

The Walker Art Center Teen Arts Council (WACTAC) is a group of 12 students who work with the Walker to produce programming that connects teenagers to contemporary art and artists. Past projects have included teen art exhibitions, performances, film screenings, artist talks, workshops, events, and marketing materials.

Who is eligible to apply?

We art looking for opinionated, self-motivated teenagers with a wide variety of experiences, interests, and skills.

What are the benefits of being a WACTAC member?

Meet and work with world-renowned visual artists, performers, and filmmakers. Collaborate with other teenagers from a wide range of backgrounds. Receive free tickets to Walker exhibitions, performances, and films.

What is the time committment?

Meetings are held weekly during the school year and last approximately 90 minutes.

How do I apply?

Provide your contact information (name, mailing address, age, school, phone, e-mail), anwer the questions below, and mail to: Teen Programs, Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis MN, 55403

1. Why do you want to be on WACTAC?

2. Do you participate in other groups or activities? Please describe.

3. Are you an artist? If so, what media do you work with?

4.  What are three events or workshops that you  would like to see happen in the Twin Cities?

5. Tell us about your favorite artists, writers, thinkers, or social leaders.

6. If you are an artist, please provide a sample of your work. This can be a sketch, music sample, collage, photograph, URL, poem, video, etc. DO NOT send original work. We are looking for something that tells us more about you and your interests.

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 6 PM through SATURDAY, MAY 16, 6 PM (Closing Party at 8 PM)

ART-A-WHIRL WEEKEND!

Location: California Building, 2205 California St. NE, Minneapolis

Browse the schedule below to scope out which artists you most want to work with, or just show up and stay for the whole 24 hours! Drop us an email at teenprograms@walkerart.org if you want to participate in this 24 hour event featuring bands and activities led by local artists.

Grandmaster Schedule of Events

Friday, May 15

6 – 9 PM: BRETT & ERIN SMITH, Sister & Brother Design Duo

As the artists behind such sensations as Walker Mini Golf and many a maze made of mattresses, Brett and Erin Smith are sure to bring a double dose of sibling creativity and installation verve as they explore the California Building.

9 PM – MIDNIGHT: CHRIS PENNINGTON, Conductor of Cardboard Chaos

Chris Pennington is an installation artist/enormous party orchestrator with enough energy to power the Twin Cities. As a collaborator on The Soap Factory’s Haunted Basement, the 2008 Liberty Parade, The Soap Factory’s Ten Second Film Festival, and the Art Shanty Water Balloon Fight, join Pennington as he takes over the space with what’s sure to be the awesomest refrigerator box fort you’ve ever seen.

SATURDAY, MAY 16

MIDNIGHT – 3 AM: HARDLAND/HEARTLAND, Apocalyptic Art Collective

Hardland/Heartland are collaborative instructors of destruction, reconstruction and internet poetry. They have plans to recycle materials used by Chris Pennington in what may amount to the evening’s largest demolition project.

3 AM – 6 AM: BURLESQUE DESIGN, Rock-n-Roll, Rap, Raves, and Screenprinting

The boys from Burlesque are going to be keeping the insomnia alive with a 3 am rave party. They will also be creating a unique grid installation, projected on the wall and composed of album covers brought in by participants. Get ready to dance!

6 AM – 9 AM: ANDYMCINNIS, KRISTINA MOONEY, and CARISSA SAMANIENGO, Illustration, Architecture, and Printmaking

Kristina Mooney is coming in and tearing down the walls in her signature sheetrock slashing style. Andy McInnis and Carissa Samaniego join in to throw some screenprints and painyings into the mix, creating a chaotic, interactive melee.

9 AM – NOON: LIZ MILLER, Manipulator of Felt and Fabric

Liz Miller’s entangling, complex felt installations make a renewed appearance as she changes up her method of making art, just for this show. Her previous work, composed mostly off-site, will be turned into a group collaboration to respond to the changed space of the Don’t Sleep on It gallery.

NOON – 3 PM: SCOTT STULEN & ANDY DUCETT, Drippy Landscapes and Couch Forts

Scott Stulen plans to take over the event with a build of monstrous proportions. He is joined by Andy Ducett, crafter of giant contraptions, in an installation that challenges scale from all angles.

3 PM – 6 PM: ERIK BURKE, MIKE FITZSIMMONS, and JOHN GRIDER, Creatures, Spray Paint, and Stencils

The BrokenCrow Collective will be incorporating aerosol art with other visual elements and making everyone with a will to paint gets involved. Come and slap some paint on the wall!

8 PM: Closing Party

Celebrate the close of the event with a screening of a time-lapse video of the previous 24 hours and musical performances.

Blizzard, sleet, or snow, we hope to present the performance on Thursday night!