Syracuse University and the Syracuse Common Council are continuing their initiative to display art and photography in the Common Council chambers, located at City Hall, 233 E. Washington St. A second display of works, "The Poster Project: See What is Possible" and "I Wish That My Sister Would Talk One Day: Photographs by Students from the Edward Smith Elementary School," goes on view May 25.
"The Poster Project" is a collaborative project of mixed media -- photography, digital imaging, drawing, and painting -- created at the Everson Museum of Art by students from the Learning Disabilities Association of Central New York. The project is taught by Ann Clarke, chair of the Department of Art in the School of Art and Design and associate professor of fiber arts/material studies in SU's College of Visual and Performing Arts.
"I Wish That My Sister Would Talk One Day" is an exhibition of photographs created by fifth grade students at Edward Smith Elementary School. It is based on an innovative arts education program designed to teach literacy through photography. The project is a collaboration between the school and the SU-based nonprofit photo and imaging center Light Work/Community Darkrooms.
The first Common Council chambers art and photography display was mounted in January. Karen Ventrone in SU's Office of Government and Community Relations, Syracuse City Clerk John Copanas and Mary Lee Hodgens, program coordinator for Light Work, are coordinating the project. The organizers hope to rotate works in the chambers every four months.
The Common Council chambers are open to the public during all public meetings of the Common Council, Planning Commission and Preservation Board, and whenever City Hall group tours are given. There is no admission charge for viewing the work.
For more information, contact Ventrone at (315) 443-3919 or Copanas at 448-8218.