On May 24, 2012, principals,
teachers, professional artists and citizens from across the province attended
our opening reception. Sixty-two paintings were exhibited in company with narratives,
which expressed the importance of the arts in our lives. Paintings were created
on a 24x24” surface and ranged from portraits to abstracts and from landscapes
to fantasy. The quality of paintings was impressive especially considering our
youngest artists where only 12 years old. A published book was gifted to each
participating member. Books contained artist’s artworks and narratives, wherein
participants described themselves, their artworks and How the Arts Impact their Lives, in 150 words or less.
The benefits of this event
surpassed my expectations. Participant’s artworks and words revealed the arts
feed our imagination, they help us develop a sense of beauty and they provide
unique ways for us to gain insights into ourselves and into the world. Additionally,
the event concluded with the sale of 27 paintings, which raised enough money to
send four sick children to Disneyland for the day. Involvement in and with art
exhibitions provides people with opportunities for self-expression and
creativity and thus, has the power to influence who we are individually and
collectively.
Many thanks to everyone who supported our event. Stay tuned for details for our next Arts Advocacy Venture!
