Phylicia Rashad, actress, singer and stage director, once stated, “Before a child talks, they sing. Before they write, they draw. As soon as they stand, they dance. Art is fundamental to human expression.” We at the Heartland Artists Gallery agree, and would like to acknowledge that artistic talent in our young people – it is something to experience! And, this month the Gallery will share their venue to do just that. Students, grades K-12 from Plymouth Community School Corporation (PCSC) and K-8 from Saint Michael’s Catholic School and K-12 from Grace Baptist Christian School will display their artwork from Feb. 26 – March 22. This will be the 18th year Heartland has hosted the Youth Art Month Exhibit in Plymouth.
This show aligns with the annual National Youth Art Month and administered through The Council for Art Education. Mayor Mark Senter will share a proclamation congratulating the young artists with their artistic talent at the Open House Reception Sunday, March 3, at 1:30.
The Youth Art Month Program emphasizes the value of art education for all children, encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety. Youth Art Month exists to: Recognize art education as a viable factor in the total education curricula that develops citizens of a global society; Recognize art is a necessity for the full development of better quality of life for all; Direct attention to the value of art education for divergent and critical thinking; Expand art programs in schools and stimulate new art programs; Encourage commitment to the arts by students, community organizations, and individuals everywhere; Increase community understanding and interest in art and art education through involvement in art exhibits, workshops, and other creative ventures, etc.
Haley Church, teacher from PHS shared, ”We are showing more paintings with vivid colors this year. In the past couple of years we realized we are becoming a veteran art dept. The students come back for more advanced art classes where they are challenged further and they are exceeding our expectations. The passion they have for art is clearly reflected in their work.”
Kirsten Miller, the art teacher at Saint Michael’s said, “The students are enjoying art, from one dimension to 3D art.They made miniature piñatas from cereal boxes finished with colorful crepe paper. A variety of piñatas can be seen from unicorns to sunshine, watermelon, ice cream cones and cactus.”
Carrolyne Babcock, the Curator at Heartland Artists Gallery shared. “It should not be a surprise, but each year we see new and more challenging art shown at this show. The imagination and creativity in the artwork is refreshing and you can tell the young artists accept the challenges of their teachers! We always look forward to this exceptional show.”
Heartland would also like to acknowledge all the passionate teachers within the schools represented. PCSC is keeping the arts alive within the S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) curriculum. The art program at Saint Michael Catholic School K-8th grade has a traditional class once a week in addition to also integrating art in the S.T.R.E.A.M. curriculum (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math). The arts at Grace Baptist Christian School K-12 are done by all teachers through specific art projects chosen throughout the curriculum. These teachers are excelling in actively encouraging the creative process and instilling confidence in their students.
An Open House will be Sun., March 3 from 1-4 at Heartland Artists Gallery. View colorful, creative and fun art in several dimensions and meet the student artists who are proud to show their art. The art teachers from the schools represented will be at the Open House. There will be an abundance of cookies and punch, kudos, conversation, photos taken, proud parents, relatives, friends and community.
The poster for the Youth Art Show was designed by Bridget Schafer, senior at PHS in her Art Studio Class. The Gallery applauds her refreshing and colorful design and her talent to assist in advertising the Student Art during Youth Art Month.
The March Show will also have the Gallery members’ works in oil, acrylic, pencil, ink, photography, pottery, pastels, enameling, watercolor, sculptures, mixed media and more. We believe you will agree the local talent is exceptional. The Gallery is for all artists and art enthusiasts to promote the arts and art education through involvement in art exhibits, workshops, classes and other creative ventures like Art in the Street in June. The Gallery is located at 101 N. Michigan Street in downtown Plymouth. Information at www.heartlandartgallery.com, facebook, instagram or call 574.936.9515.
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Photo Caption 1: Levi Crawford a senior at Plymouth High School painted this abstract. ‘About Us’ was the designated project. The students were to paint something without any objects that depicts their personality. You can view this and more than 100 other student art works at Heartland Artists Gallery from Feb. 26 through Mar 22. Gallery hours are Tuesday- Saturday 10-4 or this Sunday, March 3 from 1-4.
Photo Caption 2: Angelique Oviedo, 6th grader at Saint Michael’s Catholic School made this miniature piñata. This and a variety of otherpiñatas made from cereal boxes can be seen at the Gallery located at 101 N. Michigan St in downtown Plymouth.
Photo Caption 3: The cardinal drawn and painted in this wintry setting was done by Braxton Nifong, a 5th grader at Grace Baptist Christian School. This and other pieces of art are on display, including names made with colored salt, vibrant watercolor umbrellas and more.
Photo Caption 4: Skye Shook from Lincoln Jr. High School created this Window Scene Drawing and her tools were Sharpie and Colored Pencils. She was able to achieve great dimension and lighting with this media. See this and so much more from the young and talented artists in our community.
