Art, Science, Tech fuse in Inflatable Sculpture.

Catherine Judge, a visual artist and educator, is set to become the newest artist-in-residence at the Bothwell Arts Center in Livermore. She will be facilitating the Inflatable Sculpture Workshop for teens from April 5-7. The workshop’s theme emphasizes the natural environment and concerns for the climate.

Judge hopes to inspire students to find their creative voice and see the power in broadcasting it. She believes that through the creative process, students open their hearts and intellects to express something important to them. The workshop aims to create meaningful works of art for the community and encourages students to make art that reflects what they want to express.

The Inflatable Sculpture Workshop is a three-day event where participants will learn about the history of making public art statements and the power they have to make a difference. Judge’s concept for the program was inspired by her graduate experience at MIT during which she studied under German artist Otto Piene. Her involvement in an art and technology program known as ACT sparked her curiosity about inflatable works of art.

Anne Giancola, the visual arts and education manager with Livermore Valley Arts, spoke about the workshop’s significance to the local community. She hopes that students will learn about the power and freedom in creating works of art and then sharing them with the public. Additionally, she believes the workshop gets at the core meaning behind art creation, “it’s people working individually and together to comment on their environment and emotions and to share this with those around us.”

Participants will be able to express themselves through the given medium and share cathartic experiences during the workshop as they work together to create a large-format, group project for the community. The end result will be something large and impactful that is entirely from the voice of the students involved.

To learn more about the Bothwell Arts Center or to register for the Inflatable Sculpture Workshop, visit the Livermore Valley Arts website or call (925) 373-6800.