Laila Smith 8/11/22 Laila Smith 8/11/22

Through The Years With Art 120

By Laila E. Smith

Good afternoon STEP-UP Student,

We have matched you with Art 120…

As a Step-Up Intern, my journey started with an email that placed me with Art 120 way back in 2017. This was all the way back in 10th grade; I was just fifteen or sixteen then, and I had been looking for a job. Every teenager starts working for different reasons–some work to help with family matters, some work to start paying things like phone bills. Fortunately, I didn't have bills I had to help pay, and I also didn't have family matters I could help with by working. I was probably a little unconventional, because I only wanted to work to get out of the house.

Regardless of the reasoning, I would start my very first job soon after learning my placement.

Back then, Kate Warren (Director of Art 120) wasn’t the person who was leading us. She had Hannah Hahn to help us do that, and so my first taste of Art 120’s operations was to help set up an event at The Bethlehem Center, in Alton Park. This was a pretty convenient first job—I lived just across the street.

The event itself was going to be an art gallery event hosted by Painted Story, and my job was to help set it up. I worked alongside two other interns to do so, and everyday for a few weeks I would go and help to plan and set this event up. Together, we built shelves, displays, hung artwork, and did general cleaning. It was a very fun first event experience, because at the end of it I got to see people I knew from my neighborhood enjoying what I helped put together. Sadly, my first year at Art 120 was cut short because of an amazing summer camp opportunity. By the time I came back from the three week long trip, my summer was mostly over–and so was my first job. We would go do some interesting technology projects at local elementary schools, introducing them to teachers just before the start of my 11th grade year started.

Luckily, Art 120 needed help throughout the year. The Levitt Amp music series was an apparent big deal, and Kate was going to need help running the Art 120 booth for children. Another intern, Chris White, and I would show up every Friday at 5:00pm to the Bessie Smith center to help set up. Our set up included big blue blocks, which we called the sculpture blocks. We would set up a small fenced in area, and kids would come play with them during the concert. This is one of my favorite memories of working with Art 120–building relationships with the food trucks and kids we’d see every week was fun.

*Laila Smith, Chris White, and friends.*

It was my first time experiencing events like that, because I’d never had a reason to know about events in town before. This really helped open my eyes to Chattanooga’s booming music scene—and it also helped me with people skills (which I’d been sorely lacking).

Another important Art 120 project I was part of was NOMCON–The Nation of Maker Conference. Art 120 received the honor of hosting it June of 2019. This meant that I got a new title: Executive Administrative Assistant. It was my first taste of large scale event management. Throughout the day, I worked to help wherever I was needed. It was a really eye-opening experience, because I had to help plan, set-up and oversee parts of such a large and complex operation. Usually, when you go to an event like that, you simply go through the program--never realizing that some intern and her best friends had set up the majority of venue’s tables and chairs by themselves. It was a great lesson to learn. Sometimes the only recognition you need is from yourself, and the work you put in.

Over the years, and the summers I’ve spent with Art 120, I’ve done a lot of varied things alongside all of those really big things. I made a calendar for teachers a few years back, and learned how to use InDesign—and then we went to get paper from a paper store, printed our content, and then assembled fifty calendars to hand out. I’ve met some really cool people, like award-winning artist Haider Ali, who allowed me to help him paint some of the Jingle Truck he was designing for Art 120.

I learned a lot about what goes into Jingle Trucks—you need a lot of symbolism, and you need to think of important imagery from your hometown. It was fun listening to Kate, Saddaf, and Haider talk about design choices. It was just as fun to watch Haider work his magic—he painted so easily he made it seem like nothing hard.

A few other things that happened in my later years at Art 120:

Teaching myself to solder!

Learning to weld!

Helping Children Make Their Own Jingle Trucks

What Art 120 Has Done For Me

*Laila Smith and Kate Warren, Founder of Art 120 at Laila’s going away party*

Working for Art 120 has done a lot for me, both as an intern and as a person. Right as I graduated, Kate Warren Helped kickstart a fundraiser that helped me go to college. They raised thousands of dollars to help me get to school—it was a really uplifting experience for me. Kate even took it a step further and put together a giant going-away party, with a venue and catering. I’ve never forgotten that, even almost four years out from the experience. Had I not had Kate in my corner, I’m not sure I would have made it to school. I really needed that help, and Art 120 stepped up to give it to me.

Going into my final year of college, I’m looking forward to taking everything that working for Art 120 taught me into my final year of school. I really glad that I was able to be part of this organization for so long, and I hope to further help it in the future.

DeAsia McClain 8/5/22 DeAsia McClain 8/5/22

2022 “Urban Art Bike” Summer Workshop (Cont.)

By DeAsia Powell,

Communications Assistant Intern

Introduction

In this year’s Urban Artbike Workshop with local youth organization, Reach One Teach One, boys between the ages of 10 - 15 constructed a “Gaming Station” themed bike in under forty hours. Over the course of ten days, Chistian Phillips created the team name, “Walanda Forever”; and Woodmoore Art Teacher, Robbin Jaglinski, and Industrial design intern of University of Houston, Ivan Warren, assisted the boys in using their teamwork skills and various engineering methods as they faced obstacles along the way!

Participants

Mikel Fueget - Grayson

Mikel Fueget-Grayson is an 11 year old from Chattanooga, TN. He joined Urban Art Bike to try something new, and wanted to leave with knowledge of putting bikes together! In Mikel’s free time he loves playing video games, and aspires to be a Police officer when he grows up!

Christopher Small

Small, a 12 year-old sixth grader from Chattanooga joined Urban Art Bike wanting to have fun and make something new. In his free time he plays basketball and video games. Christopher says, “I will destroy anyone who comes for me in Call of Duty–it’s the only game I play!” When he grows up, he wants to be an NBA player

Keon Franklin

Franklin is also from Chattanooga, TN. He joined Urban Art Bike at age 13 because he was looking for fun and wanted to acquire new building skills. Keon is energetic, and plays games in his free time. He wants to be a police officer or engage in some type of law enforcement when he grows up

Christian Phillips

Christian Phillips, of Denver, is 14 years old. He joined Urban Art Bike because it sounded interesting and he wanted to learn how to change bike tires. In his free time Christian likes to skateboard. He also likes to solve puzzles saying “I can solve a Rubik's cube in 10 seconds!” He aspires to be a marine and engineer when he grows up.

Day 5 - 7: Instruction Days

Throughout the first three days of the workshop, the kids were instructed on: use of equipment, safety protocols, and given a tour of ChattLab Makerspace! In the maker space, they were introduced to complex equipment such as 3D printers, a wood shop, a metal shop, a laser cutter, and more. They also were taught how to weld and grind metal in preparation for making their art bike using scraps of metal! During the brainstorming process; Ms. Robbin’s “Wakanda Forever” team came up with a “gaming station” bike; It would be decked with an old gaming console, controllers, speakers, placed on an old desk or piece of wood at the front of the bike!

Days 8 - 14: Construction, assembling, and Finalizing

The team worked efficiently, tearing bikes apart for their design, welding those parts on new bikes, grinding away paint, and welding new metal to create new structures for their design! One day, after reevaluating their bike, they found out that in order to implement the gaming design on any bike, they would need a “quadra - bike” or regular bike with two extra back wheels to support the weight in the back. Sort of like training wheels.

Acquired New Skills

In some situations, the boys learned professionalism skills and the experience of a business-like environment! For example: when the bike construction began, the boys were tasked with calling around to repair shops, resale shops, and electronic stores–like Best Buy–in search of an old console! The team scripted and rehearsed their professional conversation before contacting potential providers. Ms. Jaglinski says, “You have to sell the program, tell them what’s going on and what we’re asking for! And be respectful when you’re talking to other companies!”

*The art bike boys map out possible new bike design*

*Team and students plan new engineering methods together.*

Another scenario enforced teamwork and innovative methods! When the workshop team were down to their last days, they began splitting into teams to be more efficient with their time. Ivan’s team would weld parts to the frame of the bike; while Ms. Robin’s team would prepare and grind possible new parts for the bike. The few boys who weren’t in the workshop worked on the actual “gaming desk”; they were drilling holes into the old speakers, replacing wood for the desktop so it would withstand the weight of gaming objects, and working together to figure out how to attach the computer, mouse, keyboard, etc. to the desk efficiently.

Faced Challenges Along the Way!

Throughout the construction process, plans and bike construction were switched multiple times. First, the team switched bikes on Day 8 and took it apart to figure out placement of design, and went to work!

Then, In the final days of actually assembling the bike, the team overcame obstacles such as struggling to get the picture for the “gaming screen” that would be on the computer and having to switch bikes on the last day. As executive director Late Warren Mikel worked on replacing the bike chain, they discovered the main frame wouldn’t support the seat and back tires; because the frame wasn’t steel and wouldn’t support the overall design! So, they quickly collected a steel bike with a sustainable chain and began welding their back tire assembly, gaming chair, and front desk onto it!

The Impact - from a students’ Perspective!

In a quick interview, Christian Phillips explains his experience at the “Urban Artbike” Program and how it has impacted him

AND THE FINALE….. CYCLEDELIC!!!!

CycleDelic is an annual downtown Chattanooga bike parade that celebrates During the parade riders and creators roller skate and ride bikes down Brad’s street and show off all their authenticity and art to the sound of the best summer hits!

*Art120 Team decorates and spray paints Art Bilee’s hours before event!*

Art 120 and their team finalized all construction and decoration on two art bikes (“Skull Bike”, and “game bike”) for the parade that night!

During the parade, the art bikes were exhibited and causally driven up and down the street; as visitors and fellow riders applauded the students’ creativity! One of the students, Christopher Smalls, showed up with his parents, representing the “Reach One Teach One” program!

In conclusion, the Urban Art Bike workshop was a total success and left a positive impact on our kids. You can look forward to seeing them in public events around Chattanooga such as Mainx24.

Special Thanks to….

Thanks to the people and organizations of: Reach One Teach One, and The Tennessee Arts Commission,

Kathryn Warren 8/2/22 Kathryn Warren 8/2/22

Art120’s 2022 “Urban Artbike” Summer Workshop Continued; Kids Workshop

By De Asia Powell, Communications Assistant Intern

Kathryn Warren 1/7/21 Kathryn Warren 1/7/21

Jingle Truck Expands into New Territory with Gateway Urdu

We are excited to announce our new, exclusive partnership with Gateway Urdu, a brand by Gateway Educators, to share Pakistan’s delightfully original truck art with Pakistani families across the globe as part of Gateway Urdu’s language program.

Beginning early spring 2021, the Jingle Truck program will be available in Urdu online at www.gatewayurdu.com. This online program provides an immersive experience of Pakistani culture and language. Art 120’s Pakistani artists incorporate interactive games, geography and visuals followed by a virtual tour of Art 120’s Jingle Truck itself. Afterwards, students become drivers of their own creativity by making a personal Jingle Truck. Public school teachers have been very pleased with the outcome of the Jingle Truck program, remarking on how much their students have retained about Pakistan six months later. Some students have even been inspired to learn more about Pakistan outside of class.

Our initial class this fall was a success as the children reinforced their knowledge of the Urdu language while learning more about their country of origin through this interactive and creative curriculum. Applying this type of arts integrated learning into an Urdu language program is the first of its kind.

“We consider this partnership strategic in our mission to expand the footprint of the Urdu language. Through this partnership with Art 120, we are able to offer a culturally rich and immersive program to reinforce student comprehension of the Urdu language in a fun and engaging way.” - Omar Memon, Founder Gateway Educators.

Laila Smith 12/13/19 Laila Smith 12/13/19

Haider Ali: The Bob Ross of Pakistan’s Jingle Trucks

Haider Ali, founder of Phool Patti (pronounced P-ool pah-tea), visited Chattanooga for two weeks this July. Ali did many things during this time, including painting a new hood on the original Jingle Truck, and completely making over one of Art120's work trucks. Among other things, this is what the Pakistani artist specializes in. For thirty years he has been a Jingle Truck Artist, traveling the world to paint trailers, trucks, park benches, and more. He is famous for his work with the Smithsonian, and has exhibited at museums and institutions globally. You could say he is the “Bob Ross” of Pakistan.

As Kofi Annan said, "We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.” We at Art 120 strongly believe that when a child has access to art, they not only learn to appreciate their self-identity but nurture the curiosity and self-confidence necessary to understand other cultures. Thanks to the Doris Duke Building Bridges Program, Art120 will be able to reach more children this school year.

Art120’s Jingle Truck is available to visit any elementary school in Chattanooga, or within a 120 mile radius during the 2019-2020 school year. Students will meet an artist from Pakistan, learn about the culture, and create artwork relevant to the child’s community. We will provide teachers with a curriculum plan (approved by the Tennessee Academic Standards for Fine Arts), that is tailored to each grade level. There are opportunities to receive a Jingle Truck art experience at your school for free. To learn more, please contact Kate Warren at (423) 708-2120.

Kathryn Warren 8/7/19 Kathryn Warren 8/7/19

Bring Art120 Programs Into Your Schools for Free!

The Student Ticket Subsidy (STS) grant program provides funds for Tennessee public schools to experience a broad variety of artistic disciplines, cultural opportunities, and artists. Teachers and Principals are encouraged to apply for up to $3,000 per Title 1 school. As an approved arts organization, the following Art 120 programs are available…

• ArtCarAVan Art 120 brings two artists to work in your school for a day. Artists discuss the mediums used, and share what motivated them to create art. Students see the artwork up close, ask questions, learn about the process, and are encouraged to value their own creativity. Teachers have the opportunity to integrate the activity in with their own curriculum.

• Urban Art Bike Program Design and build a fully functional kinetic sculpture with your class, (aka: ”Art Car”). Students will broaden their artistic access, deepen learning as they integrate other educational disciplines into their art such as engineering and math. Art 120 will provide a bicycle for your class, create a gameplan with you after the first brainstorming session, and organize on-site workshops tailored to your students’ design. All work completed in time will have the opportunity to exhibit in the Scenic City Art Car Weekend.

Please Note: Funds are available on a first come, first serve basis. Teachers applying for funding need to be ready to register August 13th. Please make sure you have your login information ready, or register with the Tennessee Arts Commission if you are a first-time applicant. For details, visit the Tennessee Arts Commission main page at http://tnartseducation.org/ .

Kathryn Warren 11/2/18 Kathryn Warren 11/2/18

Help Pave The Way For Our Kids To Connect With Other Cultures

We are thrilled to announce that our recent cultural program has shared this international art form and the culture of Pakistan at seven events to date, reaching over 7,200 children and adults in the past six weeks. Be sure to look for us at the Mainx24 Parade on December 1st. A huge thanks to our friends in the Pakistan Community along with the Tennessee Arts Commission, Tennessee Valley Credit Union, The Creative Discovery Museum, ArtsBuild and The Chattanooga Children's Clinic for their support.

When children have the chance to learn about other cultures it deepens their understanding of the world, emboldens their sense of self and introduces them to the beauty of other cultures.

Thirty-two schools in Hamilton County do not have a full time art program and until now, children in Hamilton County had to drive to Atlanta to view visual art from another country. Now, we have that opportunity and are poised to reach up to six schools this year but we need your help.

Every $150.00 tax deductible donation brings this interactive art and literacy program to a classroom in Hamilton County. Every $500 covers an entire grade level.
Select an option from the drop down list, click "Donate" below your selection, and you will be directed to our secure online Paypal account. Thank you for helping us reach more children in Hamilton County

How It Began

In September 2018, Art 120 and Creative Discovery Museum (CDM) partnered on a community art project with Haider Ali, CEO of Phool Patti, an art collective designed to bring the message of peace, love, harmony and respect across the globe through the traditional art of Pakistani Truck Painting. Mr. Ali is most known for his commissioned work with the Smithsonian Institute where he created an authentic Jingle Truck for their collection. While in Chattanooga, Mr. Ali transformed our school outreach truck into a traveling piece of art.

Laila Smith 8/13/18 Laila Smith 8/13/18

Free STEAM Curriculum!

A huge thanks to our friends at The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, Maker Ed, and Red Bank Elementary for helping us test and develop this curriculum and buyer's advice for educators. Please feel free to download a pdf here: http://art120.org/steam-curriculum-and-buying-guide

Kathryn Warren 8/13/18 Kathryn Warren 8/13/18

Coming Soon to a School Near You!

Ever see a robot paint? Now you can! Thanks to support from The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga…

Ever see a robot paint? Now you can! Thanks to support from The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, Art 120 has some exciting new programs coming to schools this fall. Art 120, Red Bank Elementary Librarian, Cristol Kapp and Maker Ed worked together to test a variety of STEM equipment and develop arts-based curriculum to foster learning by utilizing the elementary school students' creative side. In a county where thirty elementary schools do not have an art program, it is necessary to provide curriculum that addresses this need while preparing students for the future. Art 120's mission is to use art as a catalyst to, "Engage, Teach and Inspire".

At the conclusion of our project with The Communnity Foundation, we served 685 students, trained 11 teachers to use this curriculum and introduced these educational tools through hands-on learning to 250 Hamilton County teachers at the HCDE Engage event.

As part of this program, our curriculum will be made available to ALL Hamilton County teachers on this website, beginning August 6th. We will also include the cost of materials and our experiences from the equipment we tested to help schools make smart choices about the STEM materials they choose to purchase for their schools

If your school does not have a makerspace, Art 120 can bring these programs into your school. Art 120's SMAC truck (STEAM Mobile Art Car), has programs on board that allow students to: draw electrical art that blinks, create clay creatures that light up, build twelve foot tall structures, and teach robots to paint. Cost varies depending on the activity and are scalable to meet your schools' needs. To learn more, contact Kate Warren directly at katewarren@art120.org

Laila Smith 1/23/18 Laila Smith 1/23/18

Chattanooga, Your Workforce is Calling!

Thanks to a grant from The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, Art 120 and The Howard School are expanding their partnership to provide real world learning experiences for eighty Howard students. This spring, twenty students from each grade will learn and execute a part of the Scenic City Art Car Weekend based on their career track. We are looking for businesses that are interested in meeting these youth and helping them as they grow their work experiences into a future career.

The Ten Career Tracks are:

Hospitality
Wielding
Culinary Arts
Carpentry
Stem/VW Lab
Media Broadcasting
Work Based Learning
Cosmetology
Art
Digital Design

Students will Benefit From:

Talking and working with professionals from local businesses that help execute the event.
Obtaining real world experiences for their resume.
Receiving positive recognition for their work and their school.
Creating a project that will last after they graduate.

Students Will Learn:

How to talk with professionals in the career fields they are interested in.
How to apply the skills they are learning in their career track to an actual working event.
How to write an online resume, adding their skills and references as they complete the project.

What Does this Involve?
Your involvement can be as simple as talking about your career or company's job openings, taking a student's phone call about the art car weekend, or assist with hands-on learning at the school. Sponsors will be asked to provide their logo for students to print on marketing materials, or may have their business included in a video. If you are able to host an activity, during the event, the hands-on learning can occur onsite while the activity draws foot traffic into your business.

For details, email: KateWarren@Art120.org.