Downtown Aurora Visual Arts Presents "Shelter"

DAVA youth will present both functional and imaginary structures in an imaginative exhibition exploring artistic and architectural shelter concepts.  Works by guest artists Alvin Pagdanganan Gregorio and Erica Dixon, M12 Art Collective and architect Edward Ryan complete the exhibition. The exhibit opens to the public October 12^th and continues to November 27^th with a reception Friday October 12^th from 4 to 8 pm. DAVA (Downtown Aurora Visual Arts) is located at 1405 Florence St., one block south of East Colfax in the Aurora Arts District.

Young artists ages 7 to 17 created drawings, models, clay sculptures, computer 3D renderings in Sketch up and life size portable structures in our after-school art programs. One group of students explored the concept of social shelter in relation to the DAVA building renovation, while also examining ideas for community improvements and sustainability. Another group focused on personal shelter as a refuge for calm and privacy or as a place to be with their friends. Finally, some students designed places needed in their country of origin such as hospitals and schools in Somalia or Congo.   Projects range from realistic to imaginary renderings related to shelter.

Guest artists Alvin Pagdanganan Gregorio and Erica Dixon will collaborate on creating a site specific space for youth built from easily accessible materials. Gregorio explores the themes of shelter, globalization and immigration while Dixon is interested in interactions with the community and in public and private spaces. Documentation of projects by M12 Art Collective and by Edward Ryan brings additional concepts to the exhibition. M12 presents ideas to redesign The Campito (Sheep Camp), typically used by migrant sheep herders in Western Colorado. Edward Ryan’s circHouse is a multipurpose easily moved structure that can be used as a humanitarian shelter, a greenhouse, a classroom or an artist studio.

This exhibit is free and open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday or by appointment. For more information, please e-mail gallery@davarts.org.

Downtown Aurora Visual Arts is a nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to strengthen the community through the arts with youth as its primary focus. For more information about our programs, visit www.davarts.org, or call DAVA at 303 367 5886.