ArtCenter Manatee Welcomes the Annual Manatee County Schools K-12 Exhibit
April 4-April 21, Opening Reception Wednesday April 5, 5-7pm

ArtCenter Manatee  joins with the School District of Manatee County to showcase the work of K-12 visual arts students.  In Manatee County, we’re fortunate to have a school system committed to teaching the visual arts in its elementary, middle and high schools. By partnering with ArtCenter Manatee, that commitment is furthered by giving these young artists a ‘voice’ – three museum-quality galleries – where their work can be professionally displayed and where the artists can receive positive recognition by a wider audience.

According to the National Arts in Education Association, learning to paint, create a website or design an energy-efficient home requires mastering skills which are often invisible to the naked eye, but are developed through a strong visual arts education.

For many students, it will be their first experience in preparing their work for display. And certainly, for pricing their work with an eye to selling it. For most students it will also the first time they have ever been to an art gallery. The experience will give students real world experience in the process of preparing artwork for exhibit, and the lessons they learn will stay with them throughout their lives.

Awards donated by Carolann Garofola in memory of Ralph Garafola.

Jurors: Carolann Garafola and Tim Cunninghan