Fine Arts
2009 Fine Arts Exhibit
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Pablo Picasso once said, "Every child is an artist." The Fine Arts program at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield is proving Picasso right. Club members are igniting their imaginations as they enthusiastically turn lines and shapes into personal masterpieces.
Creativity arises every Monday when boxes of art supplies are pulled off the shelves in the education room. Children and teens learn art techniques related to charcoal, multicolor images, watercolors, mixed media, monochromatic, acrylics, oil pastels and collages.
The goal of the Fine Arts program is to enable young people to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through skill development and to foster a lasting appreciation for the arts.
"The Fine Arts program is cool because it lets us use different types of art supplies," said Jose Vazquez, 17. "It's been funny when my friends and staff members tell me my drawings are really good and they didn't know I was artistic."
Each December over 50 children display their artwork in the Club lobby for their parents, peers and neighbors to admire. On January 5th the 2010 National Fine Arts Exhibit took place from 4 - 5:15pm with judging at 5pm. Refreshments were provided while parents and guardians cheered on their children who were honored with certificates of recognition.
"Art is a great way for kids to freely express themselves. I try to encourage all members to participate and stress that there is no wrong or right way to create art. We hold this awards ceremony to recognize everyone's unique artistic skills and thank them for their contribution to the program and exhibit," explained Blair Wilkinson, education coordinator.
The judge for the event, Gerald Tracy owner of the Teapot Gallery, selected first, second and third place finalists in each category and age group. All first place winners were then sent to the Northeast Regional Competition. First place artwork at the regional level will proceed to the national contest. Each national winner has his or her artwork exhibited at the Boys & Girls Club of America's National Conference and in a virtual gallery on BGCA's website.