Welcome Home - CODAworx

Welcome Home

Submitted by Nathaniel Ancheta

Client

Location: Antelope Acres, CA, United States

Completion date: 2023

Project Team

Artist

Nathaniel Ancheta

Art In Residence

Artist

Dave Martin

Art In Residence

Fabrication

Aaron Valencia

Lost Angels Children's Project

Overview

“Welcome Home,” explores the concept of what makes a place feel like home. The exhibit aims to highlight the diverse community that resides in the Antelope Valley, Southern California’s rapidly growing region, and emphasize the area’s unique landscape. The exhibit also seeks to consider the perspective of animals, plants, native tribes, etc. that have called this region their home.

Goals

The goals for integrating commissioned artwork into the "Home" project were to enhance the exhibit's ability to explore the concept of what makes a place feel like home, highlight the diversity of the Antelope Valley community, and emphasize the area's unique landscape. The artwork was intended to help visitors see the region through new perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the different cultures and identities that have shaped this area's history and identity.

The integration of commissioned artwork was essential to the overall design of the exhibit because it provided a visual and sensory element that could help visitors connect with the themes and ideas being explored. By incorporating artwork that was created specifically for the exhibit, the project could offer a more immersive and engaging experience that could help visitors connect with the region on a deeper level. Additionally, by highlighting the work of local artists, the project could also foster a greater sense of community and connection among residents of the Antelope Valley.

Process

The collaborative process between Lost Angels Children's Project, a non-profit organization based in Lancaster, CA, and a lead welder involved the creation of a large public sculpture. The project aimed to provide the students of Lost Angels Children's Project with hands-on experience in the creation of a significant work of art, while also showcasing their talents and skills to the wider community.

The collaboration began with the identification of a suitable location and a design process that involved input from both the lead welder and the students. The fabrication process involved working with metalwork and welding, with the lead welder providing guidance and instruction to ensure the work was completed to the highest standard.

The completed sculpture was highlighted, and the students were recognized for their work. This experience gave the students a new perspective on what they could achieve with their craft, as well as providing them with a valuable opportunity to develop their skills and gain experience in a real-world setting.

Overall, the collaborative process between Lost Angels Children's Project and the lead welder aimed to provide the students with a valuable learning experience, while also creating a significant work of art for the wider community to enjoy.