What is The Panta Rhei Project?
The Vision
George Bernard Shaw says that, “without art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable.” There is a great divide in our society. A socio-economic divide that runs as deep as our community’s artistic sub-culture. The result is younger generations with unequal opportunities to access their artistic potential and release their expressions in a creative outlet.
The vision is of a studio for working artists which resources young, aspiring artists with the tools and education necessary for them to discover and express their creativity. The studio will be a safe outlet where artists from all socio-economic backgrounds, including the under-resourced and the under-privileged, can come to learn, share, and express. Internally, the studio will exist to provide youth with the tools needed to thrive professionally and personally while; externally, the space will reach out to the community to develop relationships with other organizations and artists that will mutually benefit from such a program.
The studio has the potential to breakdown barriers in our community by overcoming the financial limitations of deserving artists and allowing an equal opportunity to express an artistic voice in the community. The studio will offer classes, scholarships, art shows, and a sense of community, which will be accessible to a diverse population. This space will provide a breath of fresh air and life for those who often find themselves suffocating on their socio-economic position.
The Directors
Ian Soper didn’t know what graphic design was. He was starting high school and realized that he didn’t know what he wanted to do with his life. When he was 15, his dad acquired every bit of graphic design software available for a series of reviews that he would do for a computer magazine. This was the spark that was needed. Armed only with an interest in these new resources, Ian began to discover and develop his knack for art, both digitally and traditionally. This led him to pursue an art degree and also to become a professional graphic designer. His ability in graphic design, web design, photography and the fine arts may never have been realized if that fire had not had a spark.
Ryan Poe grew up with a love for film. Eventually, just watching movies was not enough. He needed to create. As a child he collaborated with friends who had basic video equipment. His time was spent making countless home movies with budgets that necessitated creative solutions. As a teenager, Ryan was given the opportunity to work with better equipment owned by his church youth group. This access to quality resources allowed him to develop his skill to a level that would have otherwise been impossible due to his financial limitations. Ryan has been able to translate his childhood hobby into a professional skill and continues to stretch his artistic abilities.
Ian and Ryan met in a professional setting where they collaborated on creative projects and developed a unique friendship. Over time they learned each other’s stories and realized the inherent similarities of their paths. Ian and Ryan soon realized that they were not the only artists whose success was dependent on the generosity of others. Before long an idea developed.
What does Panta Rhei mean?
We got it from Heraclitus
How can I get involved?
Check out the Participate page for involvement opportunites in in the Panta Rhei Project.
How can I donate money or resources?
Visit our donation page for more information about this.
Who are you affliated with?
The Panta Rhei Project is a project under the The Fredericksburg Athenaeum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. More information about the Fredericksburg Athenaeum can be found at woundedbookshop.com.
