The Emporia Arts Council is “Shaping the Future” with its latest art installation. The exhibit opened Friday evening with an artist’s reception celebrating the 76 pieces of artwork – all created by local youth.
Artist Ellen Wickersham was this year’s juror and handed out first, second and third-place prizes to artists in the four age groups, with each young artist receiving a $30, $20 or $10 award. The “Shaping the Future” winners were:
Mackenzie Sargeant, first
Sarah Barrett, EAC Gallery and Art Store Coordinator, said the “Shaping the Future” exhibit is an extension of the EAC’s mission to educate, advocate and celebrate.
Many of the pieces in the show were made in EAC classes or as part of a class project with the youth’s art teachers.
“That’s the education part,” Barrett said.
Seeing their art displayed in a gallery where professional artists also host exhibitions, instead of feeling like their art is being passed over, is the advocate part, she added. The celebration, of course, came in the form of Friday’s reception, with families and friends packing into the Trusler Art Gallery to view the creations of the young artists.
“Part of our very heart is how we serve the community and kids. It’s why we have the Art Mobile, it’s why we have classes and our outreaches,” Barrett said. “So, to do this show, especially for kids to see their pieces in a place like this is very validating. The thing they created on the kitchen table is now in a frame at a professional art gallery. That is a self-esteem boost that nothing can replace. My own kids are in it and they love seeing their pieces up there.”
The “Shaping the Future” exhibit will run through the last Saturday of July. On Aug. 2, the “Life in a Small Town” exhibit will open for the public to view pieces from the Emporia Camera Club and Flint Hills Artist Guild.
