Hero Lab Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 8, 2014Judy Anderson, Artistic DirectorPlatteForum303.893.0791  Email – judy@platteforum.org    Website – www.platteforum.orgHero Laba collaborative graphic novelArtLab + Colfax Community NetworkFriday, July 18, 2014, 1-3 pmfree and open to the publicJoin us at PlatteForum for the premier celebration of the collaborative graphic novel created by twenty-four youth from Colfax Community Network and ArtLab Interns.Denver, CO -- July 8, 2014: This summer ArtLab interns partnered with 25 youth (ages 6 - 11) from Colfax Community Network (CCN) for the summer literacy program. This project was led and directed by ArtLab interns who spent their spring session learning the process of storytelling through comic books in a project facilitated by Pop Culture Classroom. ArtLab interns engaged and mentored students from CCN in a series of eight intensive day-long workshops. These workshops  highlighted the power of literacy and storytelling as they created a choose-your-own-adventure graphic novel. ArtLab interns taught their younger peers character development, story arc, layout and vocabulary. In addition to story development skills, ArtLab assisted the CCN students with drawing, photography, and digital design to complement their story. Please join us as we celebrate the publication of their collaborative storybook.Special Thanks to Appetites Catering, Protos Pizza, Illegal Pete’s, King Soopers, and Museum of Contemporary Art Denver for their support!OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, July 18, 2014, 1-3 pm, 2014LOCATION: 1610 Little Raven Street, Suite 135, Denver, CO 80202303.893.0791www.platteforum.orgAbout ArtLabWinner of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program award, ArtLab is an innovative year-round out-of-school program for underserved high school youth that incorporate the creative arts with academic, personal, and professional skill development. ArtLab youth are involved in the creation and presentation of major works; mentored by professional artists and  participate in workshops directed by visiting artists. In addition, ArtLab mentor younger at-risk children during Learning Lab workshops held at PlatteForum and participate in service-learning projects.About Colfax Community NetworkThe overall mission of Colfax Community Network (CCN) is to advocate for and work on behalf of children and families residing in low-income, transient housing (primarily residential motels) along Colfax Avenue. By providing information, services, and programs, CCN strengthens and improves family and community life. Children especially suffer in this environment, dramatically increasing their chances for poor health, low self-esteem, school failure, gang involvement, and violent victimization.About PlatteForum PlatteForum teams contemporary artists with small groups of young people from underserved urban neighborhoods to plan, produce and exhibit a collaborative body of work. PlatteForum was created to answer the critical need for learning through the arts for Denver's underserved and at-risk youth. In doing so, PlatteForum gives kids a chance to work side by side with master artists who model the outlook and skills required to build a productive and satisfying life. These creative residencies offer exciting opportunities for working artists to create new work and provide a learning-by-doing experience for young people that can open up a new sense of what is possible.High-resolution images available by calling 303.893.0791###PlatteForumArtists. Youth.  Community.  Transform lives through art.