What is ARTbuilds? ARTbuilds is a student-driven design program in which selected schools design and build large-scale architectural sculptures out of donated non-perishable food items on the grounds during the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival school week. After the Children’s Festival, food is donated to Second Harvest Heartland upon completion of the project.

How can you get involved? ARTbuilds is a 3-year residency project. Schools must apply and be selected as a residency site. The next project cycle begins during the 2011-12. Information on how to apply will be made available in the fall of 2011.

Check out their amazing sculptures!

Students at Open School, Saint Paul Public Schools, under the direction of James Illif and artist-in-residence, Armando Gutiérrez G., designed and built the large scale sculpture.

Open School’s project statement:

Our project symbolizes our hope for peace on earth. We titled our sculpture Seeking Peace because it is clear that while we have come a long way as humans we still have a long way to go to achieving a peaceful world.

Visit Opens School's ARTbuilds Website

Students at Edison High School, Minneapolis Public Schools, under the direction of Gabrielle Bliss, Charles Johnson–Nixon and artist-in-residence, Armando Gutiérrez G., designed and built the large scale sculpture.

Edison High School's Project statement:

The students at Thomas Edison High School decided that the invention of the spaceship is important to humankind. The space shuttle fits into the Festival’s “Flights of Fancy” theme. It symbolizes our desire to grow and explore.

Visit Edison High School's ARTbuilds Website

Students at El Colegio Charter School, under the direction of Chad Davidson and artist-in-residence, Armando Gutiérrez G., designed and built the large scale sculpture.

El Colegio’s Project statement:

For the El Colegio sculpture, we chose to represent a "green" “Flight of Fancy” with a triangle-shaped recycling symbol and paper airplane inside. The recycling symbol is the best way we found to represent the importance of taking care of the planet that is actually our home. Tossing the paper airplane into a recycling bin represents recycling paper to save the trees.

Visit El Colegio's Website

Project Highlights

• Artist-in-residence work, construction materials, and transportation to and from the Ordway are 100% subsidized for ARTbuilds teams by the Ordway and project sponsor.

• On-site building and display during Children’s Festival provide school visibility and allow for interaction with Festival-goers while exhibiting school’s innovation.

• The opportunity to partner across school disciplines is supported by an experienced resident artist.

• Design work can be documented for inclusion in student portfolios and school materials.

• Option to participate for three consecutive years to deepen student’s experience.

2010 Project Timeline:

• October 9, 2009: ARTbuilds Applications Due

• October- November, 2009: ARTbuilds Planning Session with Educators

• January- June, 2010: Residency in Schools

• April 28, 2010: ARTbuilds Presentations at Ordway

• June 2010: ARTbuilds Build Week