Showcased at the Clear Lake Arts Center
BY: RACHEL WUMKES
The importance of art in a young child’s life has been the focus of many educational institutions for years. Going away from the barrage of homework and testing during the developmental stage of life and leaning more toward play and immersion into the arts.
The findings have been astonishing.
Art, in any variety of its many forms, inspires kids to excel in and out of the classroom. It helps students stay in school, increases motivation, improves attitudes and class attendance, and has guided improvement in academic performance levels. According to Americans for the Arts, a network of organizations who encourage and support art, a student who is involved in the arts is four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.
When my children were little, it didn’t take long to realize the importance of art in their lives. We would often color, do paints, and make playdoh creations. Yes, it helped them learn colors, shapes and sizes, but it taught them (and me) so much more.
We learned cause and effect, how to relax and slow down, and to appreciate beauty in even the smallest masterpieces. Through the artistic process, kids and teens learn to spread their wings and even soar as they discover their gifts and talents.
Art is also the perfect outlet for those who tend to push boundaries and bend the rules. The ones whose personalities do not fit into the perfectly square box because they are a splatter of uniqueness all their own.
For many, art is the creative outlet to reduce the stress and anxiety caused from everyday life. People can immerse themselves into their work, shutting out the rest of the world as they explore the realms within their imagination.
For students in North Iowa, it’s the chance to be showcased to the region.
The Clear Lake Arts Center is gearing up to open their annual exhibit catered to students in North Iowa. The show is a favorite at the Center, as well as for many community members. It will be on view from March 8 – April 1, with a celebration planned for Saturday, March 26th from 10am to 4pm. During this time, the community can stop by to meet the young artists and enjoy refreshments.
The exhibition will be filled with 300 artwork creations by students from Belmond-Klemme Junior/Senior High, Central Springs Community School, Clear Lake High School, Clear Lake Classical, Garner Hayfield Ventura Elementary, Middle and High School, and Forest City Elementary.
The students have created pieces from various mediums such as pastel, colored pencil, pencil, acrylic, oil painting, photography, and clay. Each artwork will feature the young artist’s own creative exploration of their chosen medium.
Be sure to stop by and enjoy these masterpieces created by these incredible students. What a great example of education and experience for these kids. Kudos to the many hardworking art teachers who encourage them to participate in this special exhibit, and to the students who work so diligently to produce quality pieces for all North Iowa to enjoy.