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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Holly Ferris, Ferris Communications, (562) 429-6456,
S.C.R.A.P. GALLERY AND LINC CARES JOIN TO CREATE
UNIQUE ARTWORK
FOR COMMUNITY’S FOUNTAIN
COACHELLA, Calif., (February 9, 2007) — H.E.ART, an innovative program
that brings together the collaborative efforts of S.C.R.A.P. Gallery and LINC
Cares, celebrates the completion of its first pilot project. Las Flores
Apartments, an affordable community serving more than 80 families in the
Coachella Valley, will soon enjoy a fountain embellished with floral-inspired
tiles that were hand-made by the property’s young residents.
The H.E.ART (Housing, Environment + Art) program aims to enable and empower
residents in low-income, moderate-income and senior housing to become active
partners with their community environment through inspired, artistic endeavors.
The program melds art and the environment providing opportunities for hands-on,
cooperative art projects specifically designed, created and installed for
residents in their own communities.
The Las Flores fountain project began last fall when 24 residents, ages 5 - 12,
attended four two-hour sessions where they learned about colors and the beauty
of local flowers. They were exposed to a variety of visual and tactile activities
that explored environmental concepts including recycled materials. In fact,
EnviroCotta, a clay made of organic and recycled items including paper, laundry
lint and ash, was the clay medium used to create the tiles.
“There are some wonderful young artists in this group,” said Jennifer
Johnson, project artist. “It was so fun to watch the children discover
their artistic talents, and their eyes just lit up when they realized their
work would be on display for all their neighbors to see. This type of program
goes a long way in helping young people uncover their hidden talents, develop
self-esteem and increase their knowledge of art and the
environment.”
The tiles are being installed on Monday, Feb. 12 with a community celebration
planned for March. The H.E.ART fountain project was funded by The Home Depot,
Coachella Valley Arts Alliance, The Community Foundation and Alegria Landscape
& Dust Control.
Las Flores features 81 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments for moderate-
and low-income families. The property is owned and managed by LINC Housing
Corporation in partnership with Simpson Housing Solutions, both of Long Beach,
Calif.
About LINC Cares
LINC Cares, the resident services division of LINC Housing Corporation, a nonprofit
developer of affordable housing for seniors and families throughout California,
provides life-enhancing services at no cost for seniors and families who reside
in LINC communities. Launched in late 2004, LINC Cares offers programs and services
that cover a variety of areas including financial and personal development, health
awareness, community involvement, recreation, and cultural
enrichment.
About S.C.R.A.P. Gallery
The S.C.R.A.P. Gallery (Student Creative Recycle Art Program) is an innovative
nonprofit organization that addresses two of today’s most urgent issues
— the environment and the education of our youth. Conservation and reuse
through hands-on exploration with discarded materials is promoted at the S.C.R.A.P.
Gallery. Since 1997, the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery has been actively engaging students
of all ages as stewards of their environment through a concentrated educational
effort stressing the Four Rs — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Responsibility. Karen
Riley is the gallery’s executive director. She and the gallery have been
honored by numerous awards including Award of Achievement in Education from the
Natural Resources Council of America and the Governor’s Environmental and
Economic Leadership Award. The S.C.R.A.P. Gallery is located at the Riverside
County Fairgrounds in Indio, Calif.
About Jennifer Johnson
Jennifer Johnson is known for creating large-scale public mosaic installations
primarily in California and now in Mexico, including several interactive fountains.
Her pieces incorporate glass, ceramics, metal, and stone. All are site specific
and incorporate references to local culture and history. She works in three
dimensions as well as more traditional murals and floors. Smaller pieces are in
private collections in the US, Mexico, and Europe. Jennifer offers classes in her
Palm Springs studio throughout the year including Introduction to Mosaics, Tile
Making, and Sculpture and Mosaics. She has also worked collaboratively with students
from elementary to high school, leading them in creating works of art reflecting
their lives and experiences. One well-known project is the Dinah Shore Bridge in
Cathedral City. The work, called “On the Move,” depicts the children of
Cathedral City busy being on the move, just as their city is on the
move up.
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