HAMILTON (August 2007) – Come make Summer 2007 count by attending the 5th Annual Arts of August: “Creativity through Diversity” Grand Finale Showcase. This is a city-wide youth initiative, hosted by Living Rock, that provides work, food and social/recreational programs for youth-at-risk who frequent the core from all over the City of Hamilton and surrounding area. Youth aged 13 to 25 submit art and poetry to the Rock or local libraries on the themes of peace, equality, love and culture. The Grand Finale Art Showcase will be held at Hamilton Central Public Library on Thursday August 30th from 7-9 pm. The community is invited to come to this free event where they can provide comments to the artists and support the winners as they receive awards and prizes. Call 905-528-ROCK for details.

Background: The Arts of August Showcase is the final event in a summer-long initiative which includes workshops and mentorship in various forms of art, including photography, music, poetry, drama/improv and the visual arts. Rock Idol, Cultural Fashion Show, Mocktail Challenge and Junk Art (made from garbage picked up while cleaning local parks through the “Clean Parks=Safe Parks” initiative) are all part of the summer line-up.

Last summer, youth from the Immigrant Culture and Art Association found the recognition of their work by the Hamilton community “very empowering”.

“Artistic expression - whether music, painting, or writing - gives
a very positive outlet for young people. I congratulate the Living Rock for this initiative and for providing a great acknowledgement to these talented young people."
Judy Marsales, MPP for Hamilton West

Partners include: City of Hamilton - Community Partnership Program for Culture Arts/Heritage, Immigrant Culture and Art Association, Hamilton Public Library, triOS College, Tweedle Productions, Arts Hamilton, RE-Create Open Art Studio and Aboriginal Health Centre.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Karen Craig, BA/RSW
Program Director, Living Rock Ministries
Jen deVries
Program Coordinator, Living Rock Ministries
905-528-7625
mail@livingrock.ca