Art for Science Sake, an art competition that is part of Los Alamos MainStreet’s Next Big Idea festival, has taken off with over 100 Los Alamos Public School 5th and 6th grade students participating in the challenge. The response has been terrific, according to LACDC Executive Director, Kevin Holsapple. The art contest, which encourages budding artists to create one-of-kind artwork featuring science and math elements, includes a student competition called the LAPS Fractal Challenge wraps up in May with selection of winners on May 9th. The LAPS Fractal Challenge has been organized by LAPS teachers Ronda Harmon, Lorraine Whalen, and art, math, and computer teachers throughout the district in conjunction with the Albuquerque-based Fractal Foundation.
In addition to the winners, all participating students will have their artwork displayed at Mesa Public Library during the the entire month of May downstairs at the children’s section. One talented student will have a billboard sized public display of their artwork on the eastern wall of the Metzger’s store in downtown Los Alamos. “We are excited to get involved in this,” says Metzger’s GM David Jolly. Lee and Greg Metzger have taken a personal interest in this project and are pleased to play a part by livening up the downtown with a local student’s artwork. The outdoor display is anticipated to be installed during May.
Planning is underway for a recognition reception and award winner’s announcement on May 25th from 5:30- 7:00 p.m at the library. Artwork will be for sale to help support the contest, including art installation in schools. The pubic is also encouraged to make a donation to Los Alamos MainStreet to help finance the framing of student artwork and printing and framing the winners art pieces for display in each of the participating schools.
The outdoor display at Metzgers is a demonstration of what MainStreet hopes will become a Science and Math-based Artwalk in downtown Los Alamos. The artwalk will be promoted to locals and visitors as stroll through the downtown area. MainStreet’s goal is to facilitate six art installations in the downtown area between now and the Next Big Idea festival in September. For the goal to be reached, we need property owners to step forward who have a blank wall on the outside of their building that they would allow art to be installed. A modest amount of funding is needed to cover the costs of printing and mounting the outdoor installations.
For more information go to www.nextbigideaLA.com or contact MainStreet volunteer project coordinator Shari Jobe at 662-0740. Thank you to Ronda Harmon, Lorraine Whalen, Ed Vigil, Shari Jobe