Photo courtesy of Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce
Little Artists, Big Impact
A growing number of talented young artists showcase diverse forms of art at festival
This year, hundreds of young, fresh faces take on the challenge of presenting new, fresh art to thousands of strangers.
They present their hard work, creativity and imagination at the youth art exhibit at the 42nd annual Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Music & Arts Festival.
The festival will be held 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 11 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 12 at Heritage Park and Everal Barn, 60 N. Cleveland Ave. The youth exhibit, sponsored by Nationwide Children’s Hospital at Westerville, is located on the second floor of the Everal Barn.
Students will be divided into five age groups. The Budding Artists group is ages 3-5; group one is ages 6-8; group two is ages 9-11; group three is ages 12-14; and group four is ages 15-18.
Exhibition categories include everything from classic, two-dimensional paintings to innovative, three-dimensional sculptures. These young artists will show their diversity, range of styles and approaches to art.
“The focus will be on the actual art. We try to keep each year consistent and to not detract from the artists’ work. And it’s always so interesting to see students using mediums people have used for centuries,” says John Lubinsky, coordinator of youth exhibits for the festival.
Categories include oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolor, charcoal, tempera painting, pastels, pencil or pen drawings, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, fiber art/wood art, calligraphy, photography, and digital art.
“Every year is exciting because the art is always new and different than the year before,” Lubinsky says. “And it’s always interesting to see how many entries there will be.”
With 134 exhibitors and 318 pieces at last year’s event, it reached the largest number of exhibitors in the past 10 years. This year’s goal is to top that number.
The exhibit coordinators also hope to expand the number of participants in the Budding Artist category. Both winners of last year’s top prizes were in this category. Mashawn Stroh, coordinator of youth exhibits for the Chamber, encourages more artists in this category to join.
David Koo, director of Nationwide Children’s Hospital at Westerville and sponsor of youth exhibits, explains that in previous years, organizers received feedback that there were many children who would like to take part, but were unable to do so because of cost. So this year’s exhibit features new artist scholarships. Art teachers from each Westerville school are given an opportunity to select a student for free entry.
“With the scholarships, we are hoping to see new entrants and, possibly, a more diverse collection of artwork,” Koo says.
Photo courtesy of Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce
Little Artists, Big Impact
Since all submitted artwork must be appropriate for all ages, anyone can enjoy the exhibit.
“It’s great for the little ones to see, and great for adults to see,” Stroh says.
Coordinators stress the importance of encouraging these young artists to continue their craft and practice their creativity.
“I recommend everyone to attend and support these children’s futures in the arts.” Lubinsky says. “This (exhibit) is a way to see how important it is to youth,” Lubinsky says.
The Best in Show prize is judged by qualified, local artists. First, second, third and honorable mention ribbons will be presented in each age group. Festival patrons will also have a chance to vote on their favorites; a People’s Choice Award based on festival attendees’ votes will be awarded.
Lubinsky encourages all to attend and submit their votes for the People’s Choice Award.
“This gives them a chance to choose what impacts them the most,” he says.
The Best of Show and People’s Choice winners – five for each of the age groups – will be recognized at the awards ceremony 1:30 p.m., July 12 on the Heartland Bank Stage. Winners and their families are encouraged to attend. Every participant will receive a participation ribbon.
The festival itself attracts approximately 20,000 patrons over the weekend. Visitors can enjoy juried arts and crafts exhibits from more than 140 artists throughout the country, including local artists and civic organizations as part of the Westerville Walkway. Heartland Bank Stage will feature an exciting band lineup and the Teleperformance Community Stage will also feature music and local entertainment.
“The music is phenomenal this year. There’s always a good selection and variety,” Lubinksy says, hinting at an exciting headliner.
There will also be a special area for youth entertainment sponsored by Nationwide Children’s Hospital at Westerville, Roush Honda and Tuffy Auto Service Center-Westerville, and a silent auction sponsored by Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital.
Admission to the festival is $1, and ages 16 and under are offered free admission.
For more information about the festival, visit www.westervillechamber.com.
Corinne Murphy is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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