Art Show Recognizes ‘Emerging Talent’ in Honor of Youth Art Month

Founded in 1961, Youth Art Month is celebrated in March annually all over the world to support the value of art education in academic institutions. An excerpt from the “Nation and the Arts,” a paper drawn up by the Independent Committee on Arts Policy, states:

“Well-developed programs of making and studying art serve many functions. They help students better articulate their perceptions and shape coherent responses to their experiences. When children learn to appreciate form and color…when they learn the importance of fashioning their own images of the world around them, they achieve greater discipline and self-confidence.”

In observance of this commemoration, the Deer Path Art League’s Young Artist Enrichment Program celebrates its fourth annual Emerging Talent exhibit, on display in the Deer Path Art League Gallery March 8 through April 4, 2011.

This multi-media exhibit showcases the talent of 12 area schools and the North Chicago community, including Cherokee Elementary, Everett Elementary, Sheridan Elementary, Deer Path Middle School, Lake Forest High School, Lake Forest Academy, Woodlands Academy, Lake Forest College and the North Chicago After School Program: K-8.

“I love seeing the work of these kids – who are genuinely interested in art – and watching the joy come over them as they are recognized for their artistic abilities,” said Deer Path Art League Gallery Director Vickie Marasco.

The opening reception for the Emerging Talent exhibit is from 5-8 p.m. Friday (March 11) in the Deer Path Art League Gallery, located on the second floor of the Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road. There will be complimentary refreshments, and students will have the opportunity to talk about their work.

The reception is free and open to the public, but donations are always welcome to continue the Deer Path Art League’s Young Artist Enrichment Program. Each year, the Program sponsors a Fine Arts scholarship. The Deer Path Art League does this outreach in partnership with North Chicago Community Partners and the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County

“We would love to increase the amount of our annual scholarship,” said Marasco. “This community really celebrates visual art talent. I think it’s really important that we continue this encouragement.”

For more information, visit http://www.deerpathartleague.org/ or contact the Deer Path Art League at (847) 234-3743.