Help Support Community Art: The Banner Project

Driving down Peekskill’s Main St. on a bone chilling January afternoon I noticed something that I had passed by so many times before, but had not stopped to appreciate: the huge hand-painted mural on the side of the Youth Bureau building.
Gazing up at the painting from behind my windshield, the female form within the mural had a “come hither stare,” and the large red dragon seemed to be saying, “I dare ya.” So, I grabbed my camera (and my gloves) and made my way out onto the chilly street.  

This was my first up-close encounter with one of Kelli Bickman’s Youth Mural Arts Projects. The one word I can use to describe it is “empowering.”

Bickman, who created the 8’ X 22’ Youth Bureau mural, with the help of 30 students and youth, and the support of the Youth Bureau and community sponsors last year, is currently planning her next creation, titled The Banner Project.

In February, ArtsWestchester’s Arts Alive program awarded Bickman’s Banner Project and four other Peekskill based arts projects grants to support their work. (The recipients were: Antonia Arts, Inc., Cross Cultural Connection, Inc., The Field Library, and Sisters in Support were also recipients of the grant.)

“Public art has the ability to transform and energize our public spaces,” said Bickman.

The Banner Project will bring local artists and youth together to design and paint eight 6’ x 20’ banners to be hung in the community.

But the $1700 grant Bickman received this year from ArtsWestchester is not nearly enough to fund her ambitious project. Bickman is working to raise $20,000 for the project and is asking people to visit Kickstarter, a website she created to help raise enough money to fund her vision. Her goal is to reach $20,000 by March 20, but, at the time of this writing, she has only raised $830 from 19 backers. If the goal is not met, none of the backers will have to pay in what they pledged, so no money goes to waste or sits unused.

Once the full amount is raised, the money will cover the cost of supplies, and will be used as an honorarium to pay instructing artists for their time and work.

“One issue I have is that artists are often asked to donate their time and work,” said Bickman.  “My response to this is ‘would you ask your accountant, your doctor or your attorney to volunteer?’ The ability to create art is a specialized skill and many of us have college degrees and make a living from our work.  It is important for artists and others to realize this.”

Through the Banner Project young people learn art techniques for transfer methods, like projection, free hand, cartoon and the gird system, as well as the application techniques associated with painting and process. I so often hear community members ask for better activities for our young people to engage in, and commend Bickman for helping to provide one such activity.

In addition to learning art, young people benefit from working as a team and creating a beautiful piece of artwork in which they can take pride.

Any additional funds raised by The Banner Project will allow the program to bring on more artists and engage more youth groups, and will go towards creating additional banners. Bickman hopes to complete the eight banners in July when she and the artists will unveil them at the Central Avenue parking garage and at locations on Route 9 and Route 6.

The Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Arts, a locally based non-profit, has been acting as an ‘umbrella’ in support of The Banner Project. Bickman and HVCCA are working together to review application submissions from various local artists that have expressed interest in taking part in the 2011 effort.

If Bickman’s fundraising efforts are successful, a total of eight artists will be selected to work with participating youth groups. Together these groups will turn to the “c. 1986” exhibit at HVCCA for inspiration for The Banner Project’s theme. After extensive brainstorming and sketch making, the artists and youth will work together to design and paint eight banners as a collaborative effort.

 Bickman emphasizes the importance of community support for something that will benefit those who create the art and those who get to enjoy the final product.

“(Community art) stimulates the economy, promotes conversation, uplifts spirits and will help our city to grow in a positive way,” said Bickman.   “The artists and youth develop a sense of civic pride by creating something beautiful to share with our entire community. Thousands of people will be positively affected by this project.”

If Bickman does not raise enough money to fund the ambitious project, it will be delayed until the funds are accumulated. To donate to The Banner Project you can make a pledge, or send a donation via pay pal to Kbickman@gmail.com. To donate by mail send a check to: Youth Mural Arts, 201 S. Division St. #2, Peekskill, 10566