A trio of young artists show off paintings they created in Shannon Chiba’s youth art class. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD –The Westfield Youth Art Show organizers are seeking submissions for the Sept. 14 show for artists ages 5-18.
The Westfield Youth Art Show is from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Greater Westfield Boys and Girls Club.
The deadline for submissions, which should be dropped off at the Club during business hours, is Sept. 9. Youth from Westfield and surrounding communities are welcome to enter.
Organizer Shannon Chiba, who teaches youth art classes through Westfield ArtWorks in the Rinnova Building, said she organized this event “to help promote youth art and to help kids gain exposure for their talent.”
While searching for a venue, Chiba discovered the Boys and Girls Club was open to hosting the show.
“It is a great partnership to work with the Boys and Girls Club,” she said. “Did you know that they have recently had a National Art competition winner at the club? It was a competition between all of the boys and girls clubs nationwide, and a child from Westfield won. The staff were very interested in hosting this show, and it is funded by the Massachusetts and the Westfield cultural councils.”
Students are invited to submit their original artwork in any medium, including drawing, paintings, sculptures and mixed media. There is no fee to submit a piece for the show and the event is free and open to the public.
A young artist creates a painting during a class through ArtWorks Westfield. (Photo submitted)
Awards will be given to children and teens in the following age categories: 5-7, 8-10, 11-13 and 14-18. All art must have been made within the past year.
Chiba said she is very excited about the show and seeing the creativity of area youth.
“Children and teens are so creative, have so much to share and their art is inspiring,” she said. “Outside of school, children do not have many opportunities to show artwork, and this show gives them the chance to participate in an art show that celebrates all art.”
Children and teens can submit one piece in any category, and they can submit to one or all categories.
“Our city is super creative, and Artworks of Westfield wants to encourage folks to be a part of the community and show their art,” Chiba said. “Supporting youth art builds our city’s arts and culture movement for the future, and it shows youth artists the value in continuing their skills. By supporting youth art, kids and teens know that we believe in them, their ability, and we also show them the power of entrepreneurship.”
If the artists choose, they may sell their work. Prizes for artists include art materials, baskets, classes and experiences for young artists to enjoy. Ribbons will also be awarded.
For more information contact [email protected]
The Westfield Youth Art Show is a production of ArtWorks of Westfield supported by a grant from the Westfield Cultural Council.
Hope E. Tremblay can be reached at [email protected].
