Gail Watson + ArtLab

Dominate Culture: Outside & OtherIn Residence: September 8 - October 17, 2008Opening Reception: Thursday, October 16, 5:30 - 8:00 pmExhibition: continues through November 6, 2008ArtLab teens worked with Gail Watson to explore their relationship with dominant culture, however that presented itself. Are they African-American in a still mostly white America? Chicano? Latina? Gay in a still very homophobic America? How aware are they of the historic presidential nomination of a person of color? Talking with the youth and working together at PlatteForum has been an opportunity for conversation and dialog about how we are different and yet so alike in our human condition. Gail hopes the viewer will be empowered to engage in courageous conversations about racial awareness and white privilege in our culture at this momentous time in our history. Gail’s and the youth’s resulting work comprises Dominate Culture: Outside & Other, at PlatteForum that opens during October’s National Book Month and continues through the national election on November 4th.About ArtLabThe ArtLab program provides an integrated, substantive out-of-school arts opportunity for at-risk youth in our community. It is a yearlong intensive youth development and training program, utilizing the arts, mentorship and learning to reach underserved Denver area youth aged 15 - 19 years.  The goal of the program for youth is to connect with their peers, school and community in a way that opens doors of opportunity for their future: graduation, higher education, employment, and for them make to make a successful transition into adulthood. The program is funded in part by YouthReach the Colorado Council on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, St Mary Land & Exploration and Land Title Guarantee Corporation.