‘Sticks and Stones’ were part of a colorful environmental art feature placed by artists from the Fuller Lodge Art Center Portfolio Development Class. Photo by Zachary Sestric
Emily Day, left, and teacher Arelia Rose paint the sticks for their project. Photo by Zachary Sestric
Artists from the Portfolio Development class at Fuller Lodge Art Center yarn-bombed some seats near the Hans Bethe House. Photo by Zachary Sestric
BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com
Young artists participating in the Portfolio Class at Fuller Lodge Art Center say their class evolved into an environmental art class The group, under the instruction of Arelia Rose, worked outdoors near the Hans Bethe House behind Fuller Lodge. They named their project “Rainbow Park”.
“This park is a symbol if the LGBTQ+ community, invoking the colors of the rainbow flag to represent the community as a whole,” a note from the artists posted on park tables states, “Our work is similar to Andy Goldsworthy’s, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUGQ2C8KCAU0) using rocks, sticks and bright colors in an outdoor installation setting. Our added twist is the painted rainbow colors of the natural objects, as well as the addition of yarn- and fabric-bombing.”
The artists believe Pride is an important part of modern culture, particularly for teens.
“As a teenager, one is figuring out oneself, and whomever one chooses to be, or however they identify themselves, it is important to support them.” the artists’ note states.
They add that as they were creating the project, they notice a certain symbolism in the use of sticks and stones.
“As the old saying goes, ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’. These stick and stones don’t break our bones; they are now a symbol of unity, pride, and even a form of art. Each stick and stone is as different as we are from one another, but they united as one whole,” the artists’ note states.
Another piece featuring painted pebbles. Photo by Zachary Sestric
Zachary Sestric and Emily Day explain their Rainbow Park project to the Los Alamos Reporter. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
A trail of colored sticks follows the sidewalk as part of the Rainbow Park project. Photo by Zachary Sestric
Trees were also decked out in colored stripes as part of the Rainbow Park project, Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Los Alamos Teen Center director George Marsden, right, and Catherine Ozment stopped by the Rainbow Park project Friday afternoon. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Art instructor Arelia Rose chats with Zachary Sestric Friday afternoon at the Rainbow Park project. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com