BOULDER, CO.- The Studio Project, a teen arts-engagement program of the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, brings back its popular event, Teen Open Wall for high school students, Friday, March 13 from 6–9pm. Teen Open Wall offers artistically-inclined teens the opportunity to share their artwork with peers in a cool, inspiring environment. Last year, Teen Open Wall gathered together over 100 high school students from various social circles for an evening of artistic exuberance, including teen artwork on display, live music, and interactive, art-making opportunities for everyone in attendance. Because the museum is currently closed for renovations, this year’s Teen Open Wall will take place off-site. Museum supporter, artist Jane McMahan, will host the event at her studio in North Boulder, 4439 N Broadway, Unit C. While students this year will not have their artwork hanging in a museum, they will have the rare chance to hang out in an artist studio for the evening. This revelatory occasion provides the experience of what it’s like to have your own art studio, in addition to displaying artwork for friends and colleagues. A community-wide happening, this event also encourages the unique voice of BMoCA’s teenage audience, providing a space for diverse high school students to be themselves, whether they identify as artists or not.

High school students are invited to take part in Teen Open Wall by exhibiting up to three individual artworks, each no larger than 60 by 60 inches, on the evening of Friday, March 13. The night will be filled with plenty of activity, with art-making opportunities for everyone, music, and refreshments. This event is free and open to high school students. “We’re getting the word out on Facebook and our blog,” says high school intern Ariel Johnson. “It’s going to be great.”

In a new development this year, the Teen Open Wall exhibit will be juried by three prestigious jurors. Judging will take place at 8:30pm. Selected two-dimensional artwork will be displayed at The Cup Espresso Café in downtown Boulder, 1521 Pearl Street, during the month of May. An opening event at The Cup will be scheduled later this spring.

The Studio Project, developed by the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, hosts events and programs to facilitate dialogue about art, art making, and social issues as they affect teens. With input from local high school students, BMoCA engages young people in a dynamic investigation of contemporary art and topics important in teenage life, like technology, film, and creative expression. As teen intern Laura Somenzi proclaims, “The Studio Project is a great opportunity for teenagers that are interested in the many aspects of museum work and the art world. It encourages interaction and creativity, along with just providing a good time.”