Each year, the Rehoboth Art League, hosts the Young at Art Event, which showcases works of art by children in grades 1 – 12 in Sussex County. This event grows by leaps and bounds each year. In fact, they will have entries for the first time from a school located in Western Sussex County this year. These schools include both public and private at all levels. The greatest challenge facing each school is the selection process as each school is only permitted to submit ten total pieces. With approximately 20 schools and 5 out-reach programs participating in 2017; the Rehoboth Art League is expecting to display approximately 250 pieces. This show usually includes 2-Dimensional, 3-Dimensional, Sculpture, Metal Works, and Digital Artwork. There are size requirements for each piece to ensure that all artwork is displayed respectfully in the gallery, but that certainly doesn’t deter the children from hoping to participate. Education Programs Director, Paula Holloway, noted that she will often receive phone calls from teachers asking, “Are you sure I can only choose 10 pieces?”
We asked Sarah Ganter, COO for the Rehoboth Art League, what kind of effect this show has on the children who participate and she commented that this venue really gives the students a chance to become acquainted with showing their work publically. This show will officially open on Saturday, March 18th when students, parents, and outside guests are invited to attend. For students who like to keep their artwork under wraps until the big day, this is the first opportunity for parents to view their work and to meet with art teachers throughout the county. Awards will be given for “best in show” for elementary, middle school and high school levels and will be announced during the show on March 18th.
In addition to awards that are given on the opening day of the show, one student from each school will be awarded the Derrickson Scholarship. These scholarships will reward their recipients with free art classes for one year at the Rehoboth Art League. This is an amazing award given to students who truly want to expand their artistic techniques, but may not have the funds to learn outside of school. Holloway also commented that it’s too often when art programs are downsized from school curriculums leaving very little time for students to express their artistic talents and to learn from professional art instructors.
Before leaving the Rehoboth Art League, we asked Holloway and Ganter how the local community can help the non-profit organization in their efforts. They mentioned that monetary donations are always welcome, in addition to materials and tools. Donations go directly to funding art classes and the teachers who lead such classes. Just recently, the Rehoboth Art League began offering summer classes spanning from Drawing, Colored Pencils, and Acrylics to name a few, all of which would not have been possible without community support. To learn more about how you can help, please visit their website or call Paula Holloway directly at 302-227-8408 Ext. 112.
March 18th – Young at Art Opening Reception from 10:00am – 2:00pm / Show will be open until 4:00pm.
Scholarships and Awards will be announced at 11:00am. Light Refreshments provided.
12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres | Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
