Bondurant Talent Posts a Record Event in Ankeny!

Last night was the reception for the first of four annual K-12 art exhibits at the Ankeny Art Center. The opening reception for the Bondurant-Farrar Community Schools turned out 500 guests admiring the artwork created by the young student artists. These annual K-12 events have been part of the Ankeny Art Center’s extended outreach program for more than two decades and are extremely popular. Bondurant-Farrar’s outstanding collection of student artwork will remain on display through February 18.

“We welcome and honor the hard work of the teachers and the young artists in our 2015 exhibits.” said Christina Catron, Assistant Director. “The attendance at last night’s reception set a new record.” Jana Bahr (Morris Elementary Art Teacher), Annie Reyerson (Anderson Elementary Art Teacher), Jennifer Juhl (Middle School Art Teacher) and Christian Vandehaar (High School Art Teacher) also attended last night’s celebratory reception for the Bondurant-Farrar students. We congratulate all the young artists and their teachers on their hard work and dedication to the visual arts!

Click here to see a YouTube video from the reception.

Many visitors at the reception also took advantage of the pottery wheel demonstration by Ankeny ceramic artist and educator Kathryn Riemersma in the pottery studio. This provided a unique opportunity for the students, their families and other visitors to learn, observe and talk to an artist about working with clay.

Coming-up next is the Saydel K-12 Community Art Exhibit from February 24 through March 11 with an opening reception on March 5 from 5-7pm. The Saydel Community School District joins the exhibition line-up this year along with the other area schools (Bondurant-Farrar, North Polk Community Schools and the Ankeny Community Schools).

“The arts play an important role in preparing children for the future and familiarizing students with an art gallery, so we are delighted to help show-off the artwork created by the Saydel students too.” said Barb Vaske, Director. “This opportunity helps enhance the individual self-worth of the students while encouraging community involvement and promoting culture and diversity.” A complete listing of all the K-12 art exhibitions and receptions can be found at: www.AnkenyArtCenter.com.

Help celebrate the creativity of our youth in the greater Ankeny area; stop in and check out the great artwork! All artist receptions and exhibits at the Ankeny Art Center are always free and open to the public.

The Ankeny Art Center is located in a City Park at 1520 SW Ordnance Road, Ankeny across from the John Deere plant. Gallery hours are Tue-Fri 9a-1p, Thu 4-7pm and Sat 9am-noon. The Ankeny Art Center can be reached by phone: 515-965-0940 or email at: ankenyarts@ankenyartcenter.com. We also have exciting art classes and summer camps for both children and adults; explore your creativity and sign-up for an art class today! See our website for more information: www.AnkenyArtCenter.com.