How Your Story or Your Art Can Influence the Future
"Rehearsal of the Ballet" by Edgar Degas (1834–1917), created around 1876.
A debated question persists in the creative community: should a story or art be treated as a marketable commodity or should it steadfastly remain an honorable pursuit? Another way of looking at the stories and art we make comes from two artists from two very different mediums.
Edgar Degas, the renowned French Impressionist, contended, "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." His timeless legacy in drawing, painting, and sculpting bronze figures underscores the enduring challenge of guiding viewers on a transformative journey, a sentiment echoed by Jim Connolly on the website, Creative Thinking Hub.
Offering a similar perspective, Bono, the frontman of U2, pondered the purpose of music: "What's the point of music if no one hears it?" Defending the decision to allow their song "Vertigo" to be used for free to promote the revolutionary iPod in 2006, Bono highlighted the evolving landscape of music consumption.
Contemplating whether your work should bask in the spotlight or remain tucked away in the shadows is a significant decision. Should your creations be shared, allowing others the chance to delve into your unique perspective? The power to make that call rests solely with you.
This brings us to the core of our conference. Our mission is to provide young authors and artists with a platform for validation and growth. The unique structure of this conference is to dedicate time for creation and valuable feedback from instructors and peers. This is a dramatic departure from the typical school day.
Consistently, students emphasize that the museum experience and constructive feedback draw them back to this conference year after year. The resonance of those who have walked
Counting off with "unos, dos, tres, catorce!" in a vibrant 2006 cross-promotion, U2 unleashed their lanthem, "Vertigo," through an iPod advertisement. Notably, this collaboration showcased rare silhouettes of the actual band performing the song—a distinctive feature in the realm of iPod ads.
these galleries before us is a significant influence. This website and the museum theater showcase the artistic endeavors and the written narratives of students from past conferences, students like you. Their work offers a wealth of creative brilliance from which we can all learn.
Below are just a few examples of student feedback that we’ve received.
Zara, Grade 12,
Arrowhead Union High School
Maya, Grade 12,
Greenfield High School
Rowan, Grade 6,
Madison Country Day
Morgan, Grade 10,
Appleton West High School
Anna, Grade 12,
Catholic Central High School
Consider your contribution not just as a momentary creation but as part of a legacy. Your story and artwork have the potential to inspire future participants. To make this possible, we need your original completed work well before next year's December conference. Please submit your finished piece by Sunday, 11:59 PM on January 7th. Your creativity has the power to influence those who will follow in your footsteps, leaving an indelible mark on the artistic landscape.
How to Submit Your Story or Artwork
1. Follow this link to submit your story or follow this link to submit your artwork.
2. Please be accurate in referencing the museum artwork that inspired your piece.
3. Submit your piece by the January 7th deadline.
Authors, please include a link to your story on a Google Document. Ensure that the "Share" settings grant editing rights and are set to "Anyone with a link."
Artists, share a link to a high-resolution jpg of your artwork, whether it's a scanned drawing, a jpg of 3D art, or a high-resolution photograph. Confirm that the share settings allow editing rights and are set to "Anyone with a link."
We eagerly anticipate engaging with your creations, as it is your unique perspective and talent that consistently captivates us year after year.
Regards,
Terry and Janet Kaldhusdal
Coordinators
Art of Writing, Young Authors and Artists Conference
Benjamin, Grade 12, Cedarburg High School
Addison, Grade 11, Renaissance School of the Art
Sarah, Grade 10,
Kettle Moraine High School
Mellisa, Grade 12, Appleton East High School