YOUTH TAKE FLIGHT 2001 SUMMER ART ACADEMY TO BRING STUDENTS TOGETHER WITH ARTS, AVIATION, AND COMMUNITY
(Los Angeles, CA - June 28, 2001) One hundred youth from Los Angeles area high schools will cultivate their education and creativity in the "Youth Take Flight 2001: LAX Summer Art Academy," LAX's brand-new Summer Arts Academy at Westchester High School from July 9 to August 17, 2001.
The six-week multicultural art and human relations program -- sponsored by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission, and Los Angeles Unified School District -- is the first City of Los Angeles summer arts program to offer high school credit. Sophomore, junior, and senior high school students from Fairfax, Hamilton, Hawthorne, Lawndale, Venice and Westchester High Schools, as well as the Venice Boys and Girls Clubs are eligible for the program.
"Youth Take Flight 2001" gives students an opportunity to enhance their artistic skills and earn high school credit for an arts elective that is applicable for admission to both the University of California and California State University systems. The six-week art program will be offered at Westchester High School where students attend classes five days a week, four hours a day, under the supervision and instruction of art instructors. Students may choose one of three classes in ceramics and sculpture, drawing and painting, or photography, as well as the
required applied arts course. The classes will be fully equipped with art equipment, including a dark room and nine kilns. During the applied arts course, students will work in conjunction with an artist from the Otis Institute, including Los Angeles artist D.J. Hall, to create a collaborative work of art, which will be showcased in LAX 's Terminal 1 in September.
"This summer program gives youth a rare opportunity to experience the arts, and what it means for the community and the world of aviation," said Los Angeles City Councilmember 5th District Mike Feuer. "By being the first to offer this unique collaborative program, LAWA has once again taken a leadership role in empowering and preparing our young people for the future."
As part of the "Youth Take Flight 2001" course instruction, students will take guided tours of LAX facilities. Students will learn the importance of art in reflecting the community and how it can contribute to making a traveler's experience more enjoyable. Students will learn about the LAX Enhancement Project, which includes the award-winning concepts of the Gateway LAX pylons. Students will also learn about the artistic design of LAX's historic Theme Building and the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Control Tower.
"LAX welcomes the opportunity to sponsor this unique, innovative program that brings youth together for art education, appreciation, and a sense of community," said Lydia H. Kennard, LAWA executive director. "While offering students hands-on experience with a variety of artistic mediums, this program will give youth an in-depth look at the relevance of art in aviation. We are delighted to be working with the Los Angeles Unified School District, and look forward to strengthening this relationship in the years to come for the benefit of our young people."
"We are pleased to partner with Los Angeles World Airports for Youth Take Flight
2001," said Joe R. Hicks, executive director, Los Angeles City Human Relations Commission.
"LAWA's ongoing commitment to Los Angeles youth has made this program possible. Students are able to earn course credit and experience the arts, while working together, sharing their ideas and learning about various career opportunities. By supporting young people in a meaningful way, we are helping to shape our future leaders."
In the fall, students' individual artworks, as well as their collaborative piece, will be unveiled and installed during a public ceremony. The art will be on display for three to six months in Terminal 1 at LAX.
"Youth Take Flight 2001" is based on the Human Relations Commission's "Shoulder to Shoulder" program, which effectively joins youth from different communities in the Los
Angeles metropolitan area to work together on community service projects. The new Summer Arts Academy marks the third year that LAWA has participated in the "Shoulder to Shoulder" program.
Upon the recommendation of a teacher, applications are currently being accepted for the program, and interviews will be conducted for all applicants. Youth interested in enrolling in the Summer Arts Academy at Westchester High School should speak with their arts instructors or school guidance counselors, or call (213) 485-4492 for more information.
(Note to Editors: Photos and interviews with participating agencies, students and art teachers are available upon request.)
(GLG -- 6/28/01)
