Child on tile. “Our Neighbors, Ourselves” exhibit at CORE New Art Space

CORE New Art Space’s latest installment, “Our Neighbors, Ourselves”, debuted last night to great success. The gallery was packed with families, well-wishers and art enthusiasts alike all showing support for Project Worthmore, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing refugees from Burma cultural mentorship. (To read more about PWM, click here.) Frank Anello, PWM’s founder, says that despite being nervous all day, he was extremely happy with the turn out. Proceeds from the event will be used to build a cultural center for refugees from Burma here in Colorado.

 

Carmen Melton, the curator, used Steve Gumaer’s portrait photographs of Burmese men, women and children as templates form which the artists drew their inspiration.

 

Frank Anello stands in front of Burmese portraits

“I really hope that this opens peoples eyes to what’s going on around them. It’s happening in Denver,” Melton says about what she hopes viewers take away from the exhibit. “I hope it opens people’s hearts and get them to step outside their little bubble and comfort zone.”

 

Over 100 pieces of multi-media work by artists from over five states were displayed throughout the gallery. Inspiring videos, produced by students from Valor Christian High School, played on the wall. An image of a child, painted on tile, was hung next to a quote saying, “ A child with a grateful heart is a beacon among bitter men.” Another portrait was done in graphite, while the man’s clothing was woven from dark yarn. The 3-dimensional result was visceral and loud. While the artists may have ranged in talent—some pieces were elementary in execution while others were quite sophisticated—the overall effect was at once beautiful and charming.

 

“All the pieces are so different, but they all have the same eyes. They tell a story,” says Carrie Lombardi, the publicist for the event. “My hope is that [the exhibit] brings this issue (refugees) to light for us as neighbors.”

 

After last night’s turnout, it’s safe to say that the word is spreading. PWM’s goal is a good one, one that has a real and lasting impact in the lives of our Denver neighbors. The artwork does a good job of making this goal a lot more personal.

 

 

 

 

 

CORE New Art Space

900 Santa Fe Blvd.

Denver

Exhibit from Jan. 3-Jan 20

 

For more information on Project Worthmore, visit www.projectworthmore.org