Benicia's Youngest Artists Shine

is known for it's sophisticated, eclectic and quality exhibitions. The current show, is just as impressive, despite the artists being children.

The work is honest, expressive and fearless. Pat Hall's class produced exceptional pieces, with a maturity level well beyond 8^th graders.

A total of 208 works make up the collection, including drawings, paintings and sculpture. The show is  a collaboration between Arts Benicia, and private art classes for kids. A team of school liaison's collected the art from each school. “The response had been overwhelmingly positive,” says Larnie Fox, executive director of Arts Benicia. “Parents are very excited.” The parents stepped up by doing matting and mounting themselves.

Fox has more than 20 years experience with children's art. “One thing I'm seeing is, Benicia has a lot of well adjusted kids. You can tell the psychology of the community from the work, and it's a very happy healthy place. There's some really great stuff, they are really talented kids.

“Kids need more art in school. There are some milestones they could hit. We should have an art teacher in every school. Most adults draw at a third grade level,” says Fox.

“With all these talented kids... we understand that most are not going to grow up to be artists, but the most interesting important jobs in the world need a lot of creativity. This early training in art provides that,” says Fox.

Fox continues, “When a child makes a work of art, what they are doing is making a series of decisions. The decisions will be the child's, and they can take the credit for the results. Being able to see those decisions result in the final product, is really important. That's what is missing from a lot of what they are getting from school.”

Fox goes on to say, “Arts education its not just about producing little artists or having some fun in school, though it does do those things... but it's about decision making. It's the kind of creative thinking we need for the future of our community. People don't always get it. They think art is fluff or something extra but it's really important for the kids to have that.”

More than half of the work is for sale, each priced at $35. Although the artists are young, they are being treated just like adult artists, getting the same percentage from the sale of their work.

The Next Generation is dedicated to , Benicia Middle School student and artist, who loved art and passed away unexpectedly in 2010. “Madeline Seely is one of the best artists in the show, really sensitive lines and color,” says Fox. “What a loss to lose somebody just starting out with this kind of talent. We are celebrating her short life and hopefully she'll inspire other kids to do their best.”

The future of the show depends on the community's response. The Next Generation exhibition runs until April 3 at the Arts Benicia gallery. The opening reception will be held on Sunday, March 13, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, providing a great opportunity to meet the young artists.

A Family Art Day will be hosted on Sunday, March 20, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Art instructor Bonnie Weidel will give a lecture, Visual Arts and Cognitive Development on March 31, 6:30. “I think its real important that we (Arts Benicia) do things that involve the whole community,” explains Fox. All events are open to the public and free, but donations are appreciated.