 In
an independent study through the Institute for Visual and Public Art (VPA)
and the Reciprocal University for the Arts Project (RUAP), Senior VPA
major Susan C. Mellender worked with a group of youth at the RUAP community
partner Monterey YMCA on a weekly basis, exploring the assets of their
community through the creation of life size plaster caryatids or people
pillars.
The classroom structure was reciprocal: Susan and the
students learned, developed skills, and developed awareness together.
This created a community of artistic expression within the community of
the YMCA. Drawing, creative writing, and community research are some of
the processes explored as we worked towards the goal of creating life-size
plaster caryatids or people pillars. Through the actions of community
research and classroom brainstorming, these caryatids or pillars of the
community represent what the youth perceive are the integral aspects of
their community and what is important to them as community members.
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