ArtCenter Manatee Welcomes the Annual Manatee County School District K-12 Exhibit
March 22 – April 8, Opening Reception March 24, 5-7pm

ArtCenter Manatee once again 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 Board of Education that has made a continued commitment 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. In Manatee County, we’re fortunate to have a Board of Education that has made a continued commitment to teaching the visual arts in its elementary, middle and high schools.

ArtCenter Manatee offers the gallery space and marketing to help these budding artists get their due. Winning entries will be determined by a juror who will select among the best in each of four grade ranges: K-2, 3-6, 5-8 and 9-12.

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.

With the help of our community, and the many students who participate, it is sure to be even better that last year’s exhibit. The opening reception, will be on Thursday, March 24th from 5:00-7:00pm. Light, kid-appropriate snacks and beverages will be served. Exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

We hope you’ll join us for this celebration of art by our students. Who knows, the work of the next Picasso may be on display.