By Melissa Wagoner
When first grader Miriam Case attended the opening night of the Children’s Art Show hosted by the Silverton Art Association on April 5, she couldn’t believe her eyes. Her drawing of a mermaid had been awarded third place for her age division.
“I just thought it would be in the gallery,” Case said. “But I won a prize!”
Open to the public Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. now through April 26, the Children’s Art Show features art from kids in kindergarten through fifth grade.
“The art is selected by the individual schools…” Hollie Newton, the show’s curator, said. “Each grade will have a first, second and third place. There will also be a Best of Show and a People’s Choice award.”
Evaluated by Lunaria Gallery members Deborah Unger and Ann Altman, the show aims to provide young artists with the experience of participating in a professionally cultivated exhibit.
“The ultimate goal is a positive art experience – every time,” Newton, a teacher for the Arts Association, said. “I want students to have the opportunity to see their art on the wall and recognize that they are valued and their endeavors are valued. I hope this will be an inclusive event that is friendly and positive, and I hope that it will lead to future art appreciation and participation in local art events.”
She also hopes community members will visit the gallery – which is located directly across from Coolidge McClaine Park.
“It is important for our community to support our youth and to recognize the value of the arts by showing up…” Newton said. “In our area, we do not have access to large amounts of art galleries and museums. We are very lucky to have small art shows like this…”
The Teen Art Show will open on May 5 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and run until May 31.
“[T]he older show is important because this is a unique developmental stage…” Newton said. “Right now, when we offer art classes at SAA for this age group, we do not get a lot of participation. I have noticed this when I am teaching in the schools too. It seems that by middle and high school, students have sectioned themselves off into artist or non-artists. The students who identify as artists continue making art and the students who have determined themselves non-artists stop making art.”
She is hoping gallery opportunities like these shows will encourage students in grades six through 12 to consider giving art another chance.
“There is no submission fee,” she said. “The only guideline is that we ask that students limit their submissions to two to three pieces max.”
Art submissions will be accepted on Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Children’s Art Show
• 303 Coolidge St., Silverton
• Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 26
Teen Art Show
• Open to students in 6th through 12th grades
• Submissions accepted on April 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Limit of 3 submissions per artist
• Submissions must be labeled with first and last name, school, grade, teacher, art medium and a title.
• Opening reception May 5, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Both exhibits hosted at the Silverton Arts Association Gallery
