Prairie Center Arts Foundation Hosts 3rd Annual Building STEAM Event
The Prairie Center Arts Foundation proudly presents the 3rd Annual Building STEAM event in partnership with title sponsor Compass Enterprises on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts. The public is invited to attend this free event, which will feature an exciting competition and live auction of sculptures created by students and local artists using parts produced by area manufacturing and technology companies.
There has been a lot of conversation in the media recently regarding STEM and STEAM - incorporating arts education into the more traditional Science, Technology, Engineering and Math focus. As part of the Prairie Center Arts Foundation's mission of expanding and encouraging access to the arts in the community - especially to the youth - the Foundation is excited to partner with the business, education and artist communities to create a program which encourages the infusion of art into more traditional science fields.
The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend (registration required). The evening will feature the unveiling of sculptures, introductions to the artists, on-site voting for a People's Choice award, a live auction of all sculptures created by student teams and local artists and the opportunity to meet with representatives regarding emerging careers in manufacturing and technology. Light appetizers will be provided by area restaurants.
"STEM-related fields, like advanced manufacturing, grow and prosper through innovation," said Prairie Center Arts Foundation Executive Director, Theresa Olvera. "Creative minds drive innovation. This event brings art and manufacturing together in celebration of the creativity and problem solving skills of our youth. It shines the spotlight on the value of arts education in every school, while drawing attention to the wealth of opportunities available in manufacturing and other STEM careers," Olvera said.
Event sponsor, Compass Enterprises recognizes the importance of the event. "We are honored to lend our support to this magnificent event that introduces young people to local industry through art," said Jim Schuman of Compass Enterprises.
The Prairie Center's social media outlets -www.facebook.com/schaumburgprairiecenter and Twitter - @prairiecenter - will have updates on the teams' progress, using the hashtag #BuildingSteam2019.
Proceeds from Building STEAM will be used to support youth arts programs and the season of entertainment at the Prairie Center, as well as the community outreach programs of the Prairie Center Arts Foundation.
"We are proud to partner with the students, manufacturers, and our sponsors to make this event free to the public, and invite kids of all ages and their families to join us, because STEM is better with Art!" Olvera said.
Registration for the free event is available on the Prairie Center Arts Foundation's website www.pcafoundation.org. The event is also welcoming sponsors and donations from local restaurants. If you would like to be involved, please contact Theresa Olvera at (847) 923-3608 or theresa@pcafoundation.org.
The Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts is located at 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg, IL.
The Prairie Center Arts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to the growth and excellence of cultural arts in Schaumburg. The Foundation fulfills its mission by securing grants, corporate sponsorships and individual donations, and by hosting special events. The Foundation supports the Prairie Center Youth programs, Theatre Buddies and Arts Partners outreach programs for at-risk youth and underserved populations and helps to offset costs for the season of entertainment at the Prairie Center. For more information, visit www.pcafoundation.org.