Every August, Arts Visalia presents “Young at Art,” an exhibition of artworks by students who participated in the summer arts classes at Arts Visalia. Each year, these programs have grown, with more young people taking classes. This summer’s program was no exception and, in fact, was our largest summer program yet. Arts Visalia’s galleries are literally packed with the students’ art.
Visitors to the exhibition will be able to view the creative efforts of over 100 students who participated in the six weeks of classes. Students were able to choose from classes in drawing and painting, ceramics and paper maché sculpture, each taught by highly talented instructors from the community.
Making art engages kids in hands-on activities where the final product is a result of their own effort. This experience helps to develop hand-eye coordination, critical thinking as well as a sense of delayed gratification. One need only see the joy and excitement on a child’s face when they stand in front of their artworks on display in our gallery to know the benefits of making art in their lives.
The educational programs at Arts Visalia have been generously supported by grants from Southern California Edison and the City of Visalia. Funding from these grants, as well as donations by individual supporters of Arts Visalia, ensures that every young person who has a special interest in art is able to participate in the classes offered.
“Young at Art 2013” will be on display at Arts Visalia from August 7 through August 30. An opening reception will be held Friday, August 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Arts Visalia is located at 214 East Oak Avenue in downtown Visalia and may be reached by phone at 739-0905 or by visiting www.artsvisalia.org.
Arts Visalia art classes for children and youth will resume in September with after-school and weekend classes for kids aged five and up. For more information on all of our programs, call us at 739-0905 or visit at artsvisalia.org.