Last month AIGA Colorado held its second annual Bordo Bello skateboard art fundraiser in conjunction with two youth art organizations, VSA Arts and Youth Design. In a packed Andenken Gallery, more than 200 boards were on display for auction and close to $6,000 was raised. The art on the walls was reflected in the mood of the evening - young and vibrant. In addition to the gallery art, students from West High School performed a live graffiti demonstration.
Gillian Grefe of AIGA Colorado says one of the main goals of the local 600+ member organization is to focus on providing future generations of designers with support and guidance in the field. The Bordo Bello event is a direct result of this goal and was created as a way to connect prominent Denver designers with the youth who aspire to be in their positions someday. Many of the boards auctioned off were designed as a collaboration between mentors and students.
AIGA (founded first as the American Institute of Graphic Arts, now known as the Professional Association for Design) aims to advance designing as a professional craft, strategic tool and vital cultural force. Founded in 1914, AIGA remains the oldest and largest professional membership organization for design, and is a nonprofit, educational institution. The Colorado chapter was founded in 1989 by a handful of passionate designers and artists.
VSA Arts/Access Gallery + Studio and Youth Design received proceeds from the benefit. VSA Arts is a 30-year-old national non-profit organization working to promote the creative power of people with disabilities. Located on 9th and Santa Fe, Access Gallery + Studio is specific to the Colorado chapter and was created as a resource for people with disabilities to explore, access and learn through the arts more readily. In association with the gallery, this summer a fellowship program was developed for ten young urban artists in Denver who have been identified as graffiti artists. The core of the program focuses around an intense series of art workshops for the students.
Youth Design provides internships that expose high school students with creative interests to the world of design through a variety of work environments and career opportunities. Interns are mentored in leading design firms, agencies and design departments and participate in a wide range of tasks and activities integral to the functioning of a design office. Bringing enthusiasm, intelligence and fresh ideas, YD interns make valuable contributions to their creative workplaces while undergoing an enriching, hands-on learning experience that raises their awareness of design and its potential to play a key role in their future. Youth Design began in Boston and grew out of the realization that the creative sector has an enormous impact on the region’s economy. More than 40% of creative workers identify themselves as involved in some form of design, yet, students, their parents, teachers and even their guidance counselors, are unaware of the job opportunities that exist in the design field.
Grefe says they plan to continue Bordo Bello as an annual event, and notes there was a significant growth in participation this year compared to last year. "This event was a great chance to reveal the support and the enthusiasm which comes with our creative community, but it also emphasized the fact that the future of our flourishing design and art community is in our youth's hands. It is so important that these young and aspiring artists and designers have the right guidance, materials and support to really show their capabilities and explore the possibilities they will face in this field." Special thanks to Andenken for hosting the event.
Remaining boards for sale at www.bordobello.com
Photos: Tyler Haberkorn http://s44.photobucket.com/home/globstopper/index
So many boards...
Too many to caption...
Just look at all these boards....
Yep, this one actually projects sound. Booyah.
Installation piece.
Lost count by now...
Nice work everyone.
