Billboard Generation VII

Your Art Here (YAH) is pleased to announce the seventh annual youth art billboard competition, Billboard Generation VII (BBG VII). In celebration of National Youth Art Month in March of 2009, Your Art Here is asking kids to make art on the topic "Sustainability: Living in Balance."

Chosen artwork from grade through high school winners will be displayed on billboards in Bloomington and Indianapolis during March 2009. Selected pieces will be exhibited during the month of March as well (details forthcoming).

The Billboard Generation project provides kids the opportunity to express themselves to the community through visual dialogue. This year’ theme, “Sustainability: Living in Balance”is inspired by the increased attention, both media and civic, given to the spectrum of sustainability topics, from global warming (Al Gore’s Inconvenient Truth) to the discussion of alternative and renewable energy (2008 presidential candidates' new energy plans), from “green development” of our built environments (U.S. Green Building Council) to the protection of natural environments, ecosystems and farmlands (Environmental Protection Agency).

This topic is wide-ranging and therefore suitable for adaptation by students at the various grade levels:

• K-2nd grade students can explore topics like recycling and pollution as exemplified by Dr. Seuss’ classic, The Lorax
• 3rd-5th grade students can explore issues that impact deforestation and water supplies/ecosystems
• 6th-8th grade students can explore alternative energies and conservation
• 9th-12th grade students can explore topics like urban development and transportation

Through visual expression, kids will be able to explore sustainability issues that affect them at a personal and community level. The topic is meant to encourage reflection on their role and the role of the greater community in achieving a balance with our natural environment.

We encourage parents, teachers and students to submit collaborative art works. Collaborative submissions may also lead to additional explorations of a more sustainable approach to making art.

• Entry forms and other projects materials such as teaching guides and flyers are available for download (see right-hand side of page).
• Packets can also be picked up at the:
  • Monroe County Public Library, Children's Department, 303 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington
• Entries are due Monday, January 26th and should be mailed to: Your Art Here / BBG VII, 1419 S. Washington Street, Bloomington, IN 47401.

Important Dates

• January 15th: Bloomington Science Café for students Grades 6-12 at Borders Café in Eastland Plaza, 7:00—8:30pm
• January 24th: "Sustainability: Living in Balance" billboard-making workshop sponsored by Your Art Here; hosted by the Monroe County Public Library (MCPL) in Bloomington. The workshop is for K-6th graders, and will be held in the Children's Program Room from 2:00—4:00 pm. Register at the MCPL.
• January 26th: Entries are due and should be mailed to Your Art Here / BBG VII, 1419 S. Washington Street, Bloomington, IN 47401
• March 1st-31st: BBG VII Youth Art Billboards are on display in Bloomington and Indianapolis.
• March 12th at 7 pm: BBG VII awards ceremony at the John Waldron Arts Center, Bloomington, featuring the winners as part of the Monroe County Community School Corporation National Youth Art Month exhibition
• March 5th-27th: Opening of the BBG VII exhibition on March 5th featuring winners, honorable mentions and a photo documentary of the BBG VII process by Crisia Miroiu, at the Monroe County Public Library, 303 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, through March 27th
• March 5th-27th: Exhibition of the BBG CVII winners at City Hall, Atrium, 401 North Morton St., Bloomington

Announcements
Announcing the Billboard Generation VII Fundraiser: Bagels, Billboards and Ballads: Good Ol' Family Fun!
Announcing the Billboard Generation VII Fund drive; Make tax deductible donations

Support BBG VII
Billboard Generation VII is just around the corner and we need your support to host as many youth art billboards as we can. Everyone can make a difference with any tax deductible contribution. All donations will go to fund youth art billboards in both Bloomington and Indianapolis. Any amount will help. Your donation is tax deductible and can be submitted electronically using Paypal, or you can mail a check to Your Art Here, 1419 S. Washington Street, Bloomington, IN 47401.

This activity made possible through support from the Bloomington Community Arts Commission, the City of Bloomington and by the Efroymson Family Fund, a Central Indiana Community Foundation Fund. Additional financial support is made possible by donations from Bloomington Bagel Company, Bloomingfoods, and friends of Your Art Here.

Billboard Generation VII also benefits from several successful partnerships such as the Bloomington Science Café, the Monroe County Public Library and the Monroe County Community School Corporation.

Thank you!