SCOE’s Student Art Faire Moves Online

Press release from Solano County Office of Education:

June 15, 2020

FAIRFIELD, CA- The Solano County Office of Education’s (SCOE) Annual Student Art Faire is going virtual this year. In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Art Faire is getting a new look, but will continue to showcase student artists from across Solano County.

Artistic expression is a healthy coping strategy and is beneficial to physical and mental development in children and youth. The Solano County Art Faire encourages youth to express themselves and the emotions they are feeling. Anxiety and stress may be increased for students due to the current social and global conditions, so providing students with a healthy coping mechanism and outlet is important.

Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson looks forward to the Art Faire every year saying, “This year is a little different to be sure! During these challenging times, the role of art can become more central to our lives, whether we realize it or not. Through art we can move to the vast inner space of our thoughts and imagination, a place we have perhaps neglected. Art is a cornerstone in the development of one’s creativity and can be a great coping strategy for our youth. The virtual Solano County Art Faire is just one example of the innovative ways our organization is able to continue the events we all look forward to.”

The 2020 Solano Student Art Faire has moved to Facebook, @SolanoArtFaire, To submit student artwork, post a photo of the student artwork to the page, include student first name, district, school, and grade. All work submitted is subject to approval by the account’s administration, once it has been approved it will be posted to the page. The Student Art Faire is for grades K-12. Students may also submit artwork to youthdev@solanocoe.net.

SCOE’s Youth Development Department teamed up with two local artists, Michael Loebs and LouAnn Breimon, to create a series of art tutorials covering a wide range of art techniques and projects including watercolor washing and cubism. The projects do not require expensive art supplies, instead most of them require everyday household items such as, Q-Tips, pencils, crayons, even a fence post or the sidewalk. The tutorials will be uploaded weekly to the Solano County Art Faire Facebook Page and the Solano County Office of Education website at www.solanocoe.net, along with additional art resources for all to access. Students will be able to share their artwork to the Facebook page, whether it is an original piece or created using one of the art tutorials.

For more information or questions about the 2020 Solano Student Virtual Art Faire, please email youthdev@solanocoe.net.

This press release was produced by Solano County Office of Education. The views expressed here are the author's own.