 |
Operated by the Calgary Contemporary Arts Society May 18 to June 3, 2006 |
|
|
Home
|
Outside the Lines 19th Annual Exhibition of Children’s Art A Celebration of Children's Art
Join us in promoting and celebrating the artistic achievements produced by these junior creative intellects! Jacek Malec List of Images (top to bottom):
|
|
|
| Home | Exhibits | Events | Boutique | Information | Sponsors | Contact Us | Site Map | |
||
This is the 19th year the North Mount Pleasant and Wildflower Arts Centres have presented an exhibition comprised of children’s art. The show has previously been held at various locations: the Mayor’s Office, Municipal Atrium, Gulf Gallery and the Devonian Garden Gallery. In 1995, the Triangle Gallery of Visual Arts was selected as the official host for the children’s art exhibit. Since then, the Triangle Gallery has enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to become a vital stimulant to various inter-community activities including the Calgary International Children’s Festival. 
The art works in this exhibition - over 90 objects of art in the variety of media - were created by children (ages 3 to 17) enrolled in art programs this past year at both Arts Centres. The Arts Centres, operated through the Department of Recreation of The City of Calgary, employ artists within our community to teach a variety of programs designed to stimulate, nurture, and develop children’s creativity. Acquiring proficiency in art requires learning how to see, interpret and make sense of peripheral stimuli. 
The education programs in visual arts provide children with the tools needed to create meaning and to express their thoughts and feelings in visual forms. Using a variety of materials and techniques, children gain knowledge in the practical use of traditional and contemporary tools, materials and media. 
There are refreshing and distinctive qualities found in the art produced by children. Spontaneity, purity, unencumbered expression, and a lack of cynicism – qualities adult artists often struggle to attain – are just a few of the characteristics inherent in the art of children. These works have the power to move us in unexpected ways and take us back to a time in our life where everything was good and promising. 
Examined in the broader scope, an art exhibition of this kind provides an excellent opportunity to create a bond between the arts community and the community at large. In addition, it allows children to connect with, and feel a sense of belonging to their community. Given that art is intrinsically connected to the culture from which it originates, the art created by these children not only give us insight into their own personal psyche, but also demonstrate how societal values have changed over time. 