The ECC Art Premiere @ Truman College

There is a cartoon produced by Chuck Jones entitled, "The Bear That Wasn't." Based on a book by Frank Tashlin, the story involves a bear (well, that's quite a suprise!) who wakes up intermittently from his hibernation to the shock that the cave he once slept in has now turned into an intimidating corporate building. Every individual that the bear comes across mistook him for a "funny man in a fur coat that needed a shave"—in other words, he was not seen for what he truly was. This memorable tale was the initial seed that sprouted in my mind when deciding to write about the ECC Youth Arts Program's recent art show-slash-premiere at Truman College. Of course, there was a complete lack of regretably confused bears passing through the halls, but the evening did have its share of interesting activity.



Anyone who walks through the doors of Harry S. Truman college will be initially graced by the massive wall of art that the kids of the ECC program have put their darling sweat and tears into. A colorful blend of photography, paintings, collages, and other works resided atop a brick wall setting. I have attended several art shows for the program and have seen the kids' work on display, but viewing all the pieces in one central location was rather exciting; it felt (and just plain was) larger and was perceived more as a collaborative composition. Frankly, it was just a cool sight.




Aside from the suspended eye candy, the concept of the night was to put on a mini-show that served a bite-sized taste of what the talented kids of the program could do. The main acts included a hip-hop dance number and having students come up to the decks to deejay the night away. Jon was may partner for this event, and we provided the music and audio equipment for the night—not to mention our time and ample energy. Kristin, our "fearless leader" and program director, ported donuts, coffee and juice for the attendees to nosh on. Several of the students were practicing and keeping themselves busy when Jon and I arrived, leaving us to keep surveillance of the area. As far as I could tell, everything was in place for a fun evening.




Now, this is where the aforesaid bear aside pertains to the evening. Truthfully, this event did not seem to feel or fit the general definition of an "art show", even with a wall covered with art pieces right in front of our faces. For one thing, out of all the persons present in the main lobby, only one of them was a parent. My, listen to those mind-crickets chirp! Most adults worked during the timeframe of our show, so that was highly understandable. Personally, I feel that art is something to be shared with everyone, and it would have been great to see a larger volume of people to enjoy what the kids have created. Even with the rather scant audience, the students still performed their stuff. It was actually better for the kids, for they could focus on having fun, rather than entertaining. Kristin even approached the microphone and showed her appreciation towards her students, adding to the open and positive space.




The evening also delivered numerous pleasant items to note. For one thing, my partner Jon utilized his excellent teaching skills to train the student deejays in reading crowds and creating a space for people to be themselves. That right there was well worth the trip. I had fun playing with the kids, letting loose the hand of seriousness a bit. Also, I met a new friend by the name of Nate who happens to be a fellow musician. On top of all this, I discovered that the kids, as young as they are, really enjoy a good cup of joe. At one point, it just got slightly freaky how they were going for multiple cups and boldly stating the number of sugar and cream they prefer. Parents, beware of your vibrating children!



After absorbing the flow of the night, my personal denotation changed for the better: This show was a more of a private celebration of what these young individuals have created thus far, and what they can concoct in the future. Not only that, but I relished in all the randomness that the night produced. In similar terms of the conclusion "The Bear That Wasn't," the ECC art premiere show that wasn't—was!

— Brent Rolland, deejay instructor