Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County is one of thousands of Clubs across the country that joined in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) National Fine Arts Exhibit, a comprehensive initiative promoting young people’s creativity and encouraging artistic skills and cultural enrichment.
As a participant in the National Fine Arts Exhibit program, Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County may submit members’ artwork in four age divisions and 10 categories, including watercolor, pastel, oil, acrylic, and collage. Clubs that participate in the National Fine Arts Exhibit first hold local art shows with first place pieces moving onto a regional competition. Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County, as part of BGCA’s Midwest Region including 13-states, entered artwork in the regional competition held this April in Louisville, Kentucky. As part of the regional competition, artwork from two Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County members were screened, earned a first place title in their age division and fine arts category, and will now be sent to BGCA’s Atlanta headquarters for judging at the national level. The two creative art pieces from Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County earning regional recognition include:
‘Height,’ a multi-colored drawing by Portage Club member, Sanja K. in the 13 – 15 age division.
‘Scribbles,’ a watercolor painting by Duneland Club member, Teresa M. in the 10 -12 age division.
“Competition for the National Fine Arts Exhibit always is very tough,” states Mark Jones, director of Operations for Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County. “In the last five years, our organization only had one regional winner. For two of our Club members to receive regional titles this year is a big step in the right direction for our Fine Arts program. We are excited to see these two amazing pieces move on to the National Exhibit and competition, and we look forward to see what all our Club members will be creating in our art rooms throughout the year.”
Thirty-seven national winners will be named, with their artwork displayed at special events throughout the year. Winning artists also will receive engraved plaques and letters of congratulations from BGCA President and CEO Jim Clark. Regional finalists will receive a certificate of participation.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County has been opening doors to GREAT FUTURES for Porter County’s youth since 1971. Clubs are open after school and provide a great place for youth in grades K-12 to meet friends and have fun while in a safe, supervised environment. Clubs are also open during holidays and in the summer. Annual membership is only $35.00. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. For information on membership, volunteer opportunities, or to make a tax deductible donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County, please contact your local Club, call (219) 464-7282 or visit www.bgcpoco.org. Great Futures Start HERE.