ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – This month, the work of some of the Upper Peninsula’s youngest artists is on display in Escanaba.
The Bonifas Arts Center is hosting its annual Youth in Art exhibit now through March 27. Students of every grade level from across the Upper Peninsula submitted more than 650 pieces for the show.
“We all need a little color in our lives, and this will surely bring a smile to your face when you walk through the doors,” said Gallery Director Kate Oman. “We have so much talent in the community. It’s so great to see all of the color, all of the uses of mediums, all of the strokes. You can tell that they were laid down with intent. It’s amazing to watch the students grow through this process.”
The exhibit showcases what the students have been learning in their art classes. It also allows them to share their talents with the public in a real gallery space, which Oman says can have a real impact on their lives.
“I wouldn’t be here in this position without Youth in Art,” she said. “I got a postcard in the mail when I was in seventh grade, and it said, ‘You have a piece of art in the Youth in Art exhibit at the Bonifas Art Center.’ That really validated my experience, personally, and years later, I’ve been here almost ten years now. The value is for students to be seen, to be heard through their artistic abilities. It’s amazing to watch the students grow through this process.”
On March 13, the Bonifas will post a video on its Facebook page announcing the Youth in Art award winners. The awards are sponsored by Billerud, the Escanaba Kiwanis Club, Michigan Education Association Coordinating Council #17B, the Bonifas Arts Center, GFWC – Escanaba Women’s Club, and the Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District.
An open house for grades K – 12 will be held on Saturday, March 14, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on this and other exhibits, visit bonifasarts.org.
