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Electric Ladyland - Reagan High School Art Car Club and Rebecca Bass - 2015 - Photo by Mor

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art presents its inaugural Orange Show Art Car Team, a creative & collaborative program designed for High School Students interested in art, design, fabrication and construction. Working under the instruction of award-winning artist Rebecca Bass, students will work together to build a new Art Car to be featured in the 2024 Houston Art Car Parade. Over the course of six months, students will learn:

  • COLLABORATIVE CREATIVITY

  • PROJECT MANAGEMENT

  • HANDS-ON FABRICATION

  • PUBLIC SHOWCASE

  • DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS

  • AUTOMOTIVE BASICS

  • MIXED MEDIA TECHNIQUES

  • PROTOTYPING

Rebecca Bass and her students at Heights High School talk to ABC-13 about their Art Car Build

30 students will be selected to participate in the Art Car Club, based on their application and in-person interviews.

All Group Meetings and Work Days will be held at the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art - 2334 Gulf Terminal Drive, Houston, TX 77023. 

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

  1. Must be currently enrolled in High School / home school, and be ages 14-19

  2. Available to attend Art Car Club meeting dates (as outlined in the schedule below)

  3. Available to attend the 37th Annual Houston Art Car Parade on Saturday, April 13, 2024

  4. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, and lift up to 25 lbs.

ABOUT THE ART CAR CLUB

Throughout this semester-long journey, students will explore the intersection of art and automotive design, learning essential skills and techniques to conceptualize, plan, and execute a captivating art car. From brainstorming initial ideas to applying the final strokes of paint, this course empowers students to engage in a comprehensive artistic process that encompasses a variety of disciplines:

  1. Design Fundamentals: Dive into the world of design principles and elements, exploring how lines, shapes, colors, and composition play a crucial role in art car aesthetics. Students will learn how to sketch and integrate their creative concepts, considering the dynamic contours of the vehicle.

  2. Automotive Basics: Gain insight into the mechanics and anatomy of automobiles, understanding the functional aspects that impact art car creation. Students will discover how to adapt their artistic visions to fit the unique dimensions and features of the vehicle.

  3. Mixed Media Techniques: Experiment with a wide range of artistic mediums, including acrylic paints, spray paints, silicone, and other materials suitable for automotive surfaces. Students will learn to seamlessly integrate different mediums to achieve stunning visual effects.

  4. Collaborative Creativity: Embrace the power of teamwork as you work alongside fellow students, pooling your ideas, and skills to create a cohesive and inspiring art car. Develop effective communication and collaboration skills to navigate group projects successfully.

  5. Project Management: Hone your organizational skills as you plan and execute your art car masterpiece. From setting realistic timelines to laying out the decor elements, students will learn how to manage the various aspects of a complex creative project.

  6. Public Showcase: Celebrate your achievements by showcasing your art cars at the largest Art Car Parade in the world on April 13th, 2024!  Experience the pride and satisfaction of sharing your creations and engaging in conversations about your artistic process.

By the end of this course, students will not only have a transformed vehicle to admire but also a portfolio of design concepts, sketches, and documentation that showcase their artistic evolution. Whether you aspire to pursue a career in art, design, automotive engineering, or simply want to explore a dynamic and unforgettable artistic experience, Art Car Club is the ultimate fusion of imagination and innovation. 

FIELD TRIPS
Students will be offered special field trips including visits to local universities and art departments, museums, artist studios, and more. Plus a student-choice special group bonding activity. 

TRANSPORTATION

Students will be asked to be dropped off and picked up, or arrive on their own. Limited sponsored transportation options available on a case by case basis

FEES
Participation in the Art Car Club is FREE for selected participants.

SCHEDULE

Initial Group Meetings:

  • Wednesday, October 25th - 4:45 - 6:45pm - Kick-Off Meeting and Introduction

  • Wednesday, November 8th - 4:45 - 6:45pm - Discussion of Theme and Brainstorm

  • Wednesday, December 6th - 4:45 - 6:45pm - Finalize Theme

 

Studio / Build Days:

  • Wednesdays (4:45-6:45pm) & Saturdays (10am-2pm) - January 10th thru January 31st

  • Wednesdays (4:45-6:45pm), Saturdays & Sundays (10am-2pm) - February 7th thru March 3rd

  • Daily (10am-5pm) - March 9-13th (Spring Break)

  • Wednesdays (4:45-6:45pm), Saturday & Sundays (10am-2pm) - March 20th thru April 3rd

 

37th Annual Houston Art Car Parade - Saturday April 13th, 9am-5pm

 

DEADLINE TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted on or before October 31, 2023

Please fill out the form below to be considered for the 2023-2024 Orange Show Art Car Team. Upon clicking submit, you will receive an email notifying you that we have received your application. You will be contacted once your application has been reviewed to set up an interview time and discuss program details.

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