Healdsburg Center for the Arts showing youth art through Feb. 3
Local artists will make room on the walls for a new wave of talent at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts this month as students from nine local schools present their work to the community.
On Jan. 18, the Healdsburg Center for the Arts (HCA) held an opening reception for the “Young Artists 2013” art show to recognize elementary school students from nine local schools who will have their work displayed at the center until Feb. 3.
“We have been trying to provide expanded participation in the center for all ages…it was one of those brainstorms where we thought it would be neat to get everyone together and have a few weeks every year where we celebrate the children of our community,” HCA Interim President and event organizer Rhonda Bellmer said.
The show is in its third year, designed to inspire youth interested in art and to promote community among the many schools.
“It is a wonderful way to celebrate the children and also you are validating their efforts, children are very excited to have their work in a legitimate galley,” Bellmer said.
This year’s opening night brought students, families and teachers from West Side School, The Healdsburg School, Healdsburg Elementary, Healdsburg Charter, Fitch Mountain Elementary, St. John’s Catholic School, Alexander Valley Elementary, Geyserville Elementary and Sonoma Country Day.
Last year the center provided badges for the children to wear at the art reception that read ‘Proud Artist’ and this year they added badges for the parents that read “Proud Parent of an Artist.”
“I was jokingly saying that next year we are going to have to add proud grandparent, proud aunt, proud uncle, because there were a lot of family members, students brought their whole families down,” Bellmer said.
A variety of pieces including paintings and drawings are on display. The exhibit is not-for-profit and youth pieces will not be for sale. In February there will be a follow-up show in the balcony section of the gallery featuring art by teachers who have inspired the youth artists.
“We are a non-profit art center and we are the only one of its kind in Healdsburg and so when people come in to celebrate the children’s art it is a wonderful opportunity for us to let our community know that we are there and what we are doing in terms of art classes and offerings,” said Bellmer.
The Young Artist 2013 show is open to the public daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Feb. 3. The HAC also offers community art class for children and adults, a full schedule can be found online at www.healdsburgcenterforthearts.com.
“Our town is known for its wine industry and its wonderful restaurants but there are a lot of kids in this town, and they are active and expressive and I think this is a great opportunity for the community to come see what their kids are thinking about and what their kids are making,” Bellmer said.
