Art All-State
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About the Program
Launched in 1987 through an off-hand suggestion of a retired art teacher, Art All-State brings together some of the most talented juniors from across the state for an intensive two-day art experience. The students, competitively selected, collaborate with artist/mentors to create group installations inspired by the Museum's collections. Through gallery and studio experiences AAS challenges and inspires these participants to think creatively about themselves and the role that art can play in life after high school. Eight studio groups are each lead by two professional artists, who help facilitate the students in the creative process. The artists, who come from a variety of different art disciplines, also act as mentors for the student participants.

AAS relies on an important network of art education professionals for both support and volunteering. The grass roots nature of the program where art teachers nominate students from their schools, are involved in the selection of student participants and assist at the event can be seen as key to its longevity and success.
Art All-State is a formative experience for many of our three thousand alumi. Kristy Thomley, a '97 alum now living and working in Los Angeles as a production designer, recently contacted the program to say, Time and again, when people ask me why or how I became involved in set design and art production, I come back to a singular pivotal event - Art All-State. Thank you, Art All-State, for inspiring me to continue with a life full of creation and art.
Art All-State is a collaboration of the Massachusetts Art Education Association and the Worcester Art Museum. This program is supported in part by the David J. Freelander Memorial Education Fund and other contributors throughout the years, including gifts from alumni and parents and an annual gift from the Ostrowski Family in memory of Christopher Ostrowski, AAS '96.
If you would like to find out more about the Worcester Art Museum's Art All-State program, or have any questions, please call 508.799.4406, x3072, or email artallstate@worcesterart.org.
Mission
- Boost student self image through recognition and encouragement.
- Bring together students and professional artists from diverse disciplines to work in a studio setting.
- Allow students to work in collaboration with these artists and their peers from other schools in the Commonwealth.
- Introduce students to the Museum as a resource for the practicing artist.
- Provide a forum for parental inquiry and discussion regarding their children's future in art.
- Increase communication among secondary art teachers by providing opportunities for them to serve together on panels and review committees, and to act as program facilitators.
Who should be nominated?
Each high school may nominate up to two 11th grade students who are in good academic standing. These students should demonstrate a keen interest in the visual arts; have imagination, flexibility and willingness to experiment in new situations. They need not be students who demonstrate the highest degree of technical expertise, but they should be students who would benefit from the Art All-State experience and may be considering further education in art.
Thank You 2010
In addition, we'd like to thank the following organizations for their generous contributions: Fallon Community Health Plan, AA Transportation, Acme Pre-Pac Corporation, Amco, Bagel Time, Blick Art Materials, Central Mass. Regional Planning Commission, Cocoon Graphix, Corner Grill, Curry Printing & Copy Center, Danforth Museum of Art, Davis Publication, Extras for Creative Learning, Grombacher, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Mass MoCA, New England Wooden Ware, Papa Gino's, Polar Beverages, Price Chopper, Sanford, Sargent Art, Springfield Museum, Strathmore, Sysco Corp., Utrechts, Widoffs Bakery and other private contributors.
Links of Interest
Images from past Art All-States
- Art All-State 2010
- Art All-State 2009
- Art All-State 2008
- Art All-State 2007
- Art All-State 2006
- Art All-State 2005
- Art All-State 2004
- Art All-State 2003
- Sweet Sixteen Alumni Art Exhibit
On Facebook
- Applying to Massachusetts Art All-State 2011
- NATIONAL ART ALL STARS
- Art All-State 2010
- Art All-State 2009
- Art All-State 2008
- Art All-State 2007
- Art All State 2006
Other Links
