Crew

"Crew speaks to the role of “play” and physical activity as well as the value of fresh air and getting outside. It is designed to visually communicate the goals of this facility; promoting healthy lifestyles and positive self-image for youth ages 0 – 21. The artwork also honors the historic value of the site and Oak Hills’ sixty-four year history as a place for youth. The brightly colored, over-sized playful figures can be seen from many points in the facility, and are meant to animate the courtyard and to inspire visitors to action.

The artist actively involved the participation of youth currently served by Oak Hill in the concepts and creation of the artwork. During a series of workshops, participants were filmed in front of a blue screen, engaged in playful action, improvisation and interaction as a process to develop the poses and gestures of the final sculptures. From the video work, the group decided on five poses that reflected their individuality and their feelings about community. Next, they created drawings, paintings, digital images and small relief sculptures of the five poses, ultimately creating scale maquettes for the larger sculptures which were produced at Cherrylion Studios. The collaged artwork is a result of their collective development work.