Caldera student artwork will be presented in a free public exhibition on Thursday, May 26 from 5–8 p.m. at the Sleep Inn & Suites (1847 N. Highway 97, Redmond). The Student Showcase will present work from Caldera’s middle, and high school programming throughout the past year in Central Oregon.
The exhibition is built around Caldera’s year-long project, The Geography of We: The Sun–Our Solar Constant, in which mentors and artists led youth through a year-long curriculum focused on the sun as a theme that bridged Caldera’s arts and environmental programming.
While learning a host of art and life skills, students created art revolving around the energy source of the sun and were encouraged to consider their personal sources of power and how they can shine in their own communities. This year’s theme inspired students to create a wide variety of art including photo collages, shadow puppets, and weaving projects.
Launched in 2012, The Geography of We is designed to span the seven years (middle- through high-school) that students participate in Caldera’s Youth Program. Each year, there is a different theme, creating a diverse collection of arts and nature learning experiences for students. The Geography of We curriculum is a multilayered, interdisciplinary way of deepening student learning.
Caldera’s mission is to be a catalyst for the transformation of underserved youth through innovative, year-round art and environmental programs. Focusing on youth from both urban and rural communities with limited access to educational and economic resource opportunities. Caldera’s diverse community of artists, environmental specialists, and youth development professionals mentor over 430 youth in Portland and Central Oregon each year. Caldera nurtures individual creativity to ignite self-expression and transform the way young people engage in their lives, families, and communities.
Celebrating it’s 20th anniversary this year, Caldera was founded in 1996 by Dan Wieden, co-founder of the Portland, Ore. based international advertising agency, Wieden+Kennedy, and his family. Last November, through the honor of a National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Award, First Lady Michelle Obama recognized Caldera as one of the top youth arts programs in the nation; Caldera is the first organization in Oregon to receive this award.
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