Downtown Urban Art Project Artist Statements: Autumn 2023
Autumn2023 Urban Art Project
October 5th, 2022—January 5th, 2023
315 1st Avenue South, Great Falls
Urban Art Project Artist Statements
To best take advantage of the artist statement packet begin viewing the exhibit at the installation space located next to the parking garage entrance on the east side of the building facing 4th Street and move towards 1st Avenue South ending at the last installation space located next to the south entrance near 3rd Street. Packets can be found digitally above or in two "take one" boxes on site.
Our continual thanks to our premier sponsor Neighbor Works as well as Great Falls Business Improvement District, the City of Great Falls Parking Program, Downtown Great Falls Association, Kelly Signs & Designs, and all of the individuals and local businesses that support the UAP through their contributions and patronage.
October 5th, 2022—January 5th, 2023
315 1st Avenue South, Great Falls
Urban Art Project Artist Statements
To best take advantage of the artist statement packet begin viewing the exhibit at the installation space located next to the parking garage entrance on the east side of the building facing 4th Street and move towards 1st Avenue South ending at the last installation space located next to the south entrance near 3rd Street. Packets can be found digitally above or in two "take one" boxes on site.
Our continual thanks to our premier sponsor Neighbor Works as well as Great Falls Business Improvement District, the City of Great Falls Parking Program, Downtown Great Falls Association, Kelly Signs & Designs, and all of the individuals and local businesses that support the UAP through their contributions and patronage.
From our Winter 2019 Exhibit...
Some Cuts Won't Heal Artist: Betsy Rogstad
Since 2005, the Downtown Urban Art Project has given voice to many artists, who express their work through various mediums. Student art is especially important. With that in mind, this installation's featured artist Betsy Rogstad, with her work Some Cuts Won't Heal. Here is her Artist's Statement:
Great Falls Public Schools have endured huge cuts in the last few years but the Art Department has been weathering cuts for much longer.
In the last 10 years the department has been devastated by a 40% loss of program. My installation is inspired by the students who have tried to get into our high school Art Department but have been shut out because of the department’s small size.It’s painful to see young artists deprived of their area of expertise and identity. The students I used for my installation are students that recognize themselves as artists and haven’t been able to access an art class because of the lack of space. I teach in a department with 3 art rooms. There is only two of us.
I feel in my heart that these students have lost valuable experiences and an understanding of themselves by being denied their study through the language they know best, the language of art.
“I don’t want Art for a few any more than I want education for a few, or freedom for a few.” William Morris
Great Falls Public Schools have endured huge cuts in the last few years but the Art Department has been weathering cuts for much longer.
In the last 10 years the department has been devastated by a 40% loss of program. My installation is inspired by the students who have tried to get into our high school Art Department but have been shut out because of the department’s small size.It’s painful to see young artists deprived of their area of expertise and identity. The students I used for my installation are students that recognize themselves as artists and haven’t been able to access an art class because of the lack of space. I teach in a department with 3 art rooms. There is only two of us.
I feel in my heart that these students have lost valuable experiences and an understanding of themselves by being denied their study through the language they know best, the language of art.
“I don’t want Art for a few any more than I want education for a few, or freedom for a few.” William Morris
We support art in our schools. Our founder was a public art educator and so is our new director. Many of our artists over the years have been our teachers and our students both in high school and beyond.
The Great Falls Urban Art Project is proud to support a variety of youth art projects.
The Great Falls Urban Art Project is proud to support a variety of youth art projects.
