RAM Talks Art – 68th Young Artist Show: Youth Division opens April 26

By Stacey Sauer, Education Coordinator, Rockford Art Museum

At this time every year, Rockford Art Museum (RAM) hosts one of my favorite exhibitions, the Young Artist Show. Teachers from all over Winnebago County have the difficult task of selecting their students' artwork to be displayed at RAM.  Students come from all educational backgrounds, public and private, parochial and homeschool, and range in grade from kindergarten to eighth. This year, the 68th Young Artist Show: Youth Division will open Sunday, April 26.

This show is a wonderful way to showcase the originality and inventiveness that children are capable of. Children are natural-born artists. For them, art is about the process of creating – not the final product. As a result, their art is full of creativity and imagination. It is in the process of creating that children learn critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and develop emotional outlets. Art offers kids the chance to express their creativity and gives them the freedom to think outside of the box. The Young Artist Show definitely allows you to see the talent, skill, and creativity of our local children.

If you have not had an opportunity to see what kind of art students in Winnebago County are capable of creating, now is your chance. This year, more than 60 schools submitted almost 400 pieces artwork to be displayed at RAM. Every year, I am continually impressed with the quality of work these burgeoning artists produce.

From simple pencil drawings and tempera paintings, from paper collages to recycled art sculptures, the Young Artist Show has something for everyone.  Don't believe me? Come down and see Blooming Technology, a piece created by Justin Gates, a fourth grade homeschool student. His piece incorporates recycled computer parts assembled to make a bouquet of flowers. This enterprising student even went so far as in incorporate a working Web camera and LCD lights into his project.

Think still-life drawings are hard to do?  Check out Cezanne's Oranges by first grader Riley Hogan. You'll be in awe of The Fishy, created by eighth-grader Joe Goodwin. This metal and copper piece is a large-scale version of an Anglerfish (think of the fish with the light bulb on its head in Finding Nemo) that actually lights up.

Every year, RAM awards recognition to one student per grade for an outstanding piece of artwork. Curious as to which students and schools were awarded this year? Join us for the free public opening of the 68th Young Artist Show: Youth Division on Sunday, April 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. in RAM's Anderson Gallery. The recognition ceremony begins at 2 pm.

After viewing the Young Artist Show, stop by the Family Festival, held throughout Riverfront Museum Park from 1 to 4 p.m., and completely FREE to the public. This event is a combined effort by Rockford Area Arts Council and the Early Learning Council, so join us for a day of arts, information, and activities for all ages.

Think that you've got what it takes to be an Irish dancer? Come check out the McNulty Irish Dancers Performance and Workshop. Ever been to an instrument petting zoo? Come and see the instruments that Guzzardo's Music has brought for you to touch and play.  Have an overwhelming desire to gross out your friends and neighbors? Join the YWCA as they make Oooeey Gooeey Slime.

Ellis Arts Academy, Haskell Elementary School, and Marsh Elementary School will have student performances throughout the afternoon. Other local organizations participating in Family Festival include Dolphin Swim Club, the Literacy Council, MAD Science, and Head Start.

The 68th Young Artist Show: Youth Division is sponsored by Women's Art Board of Rockford Art Museum, and remains on display through Sunday, May 24. For more information about the Family Festival, log on to artsforeveryone.com.



Contact RAM Education Coordinator at ssauer@rockfordartmuseum.org.

from the April 22-28, 2009 issue

 

 

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