Boys & Girls Clubs Participate in 2015 Cross-County Art Exhibit

bgc-balloon-launch-2014Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana and Porter County are just two of thousands of Club organizations across the country joining in a search to identify talented young artists. The competition is part of 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 organizations may submit members’ artwork in four age divisions and 10 categories, including watercolor, pastel, oil/acrylic, collage, multicolored and monochromatic drawings, print making, mixed media, sculpture, and a collaborative group project. “We are very fortunate to have received funding to support our Fine Arts program for the first time in part by South Shore Arts, Indiana Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts. This funding has bolstered our Club members’ interest in our Fine Arts curriculum and is allowing us to collaborate with Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana on a very public art exhibit. Showcasing the creativity of our Club member’s not only spreads awareness of what our Clubs do, but it encourages youth to continue their artistic endeavors and expression in a safe and fun environment,” states Mark Jones, director of operations for Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County.

“It is so important to expose young people to the world of The Arts. It is a very powerful statement when young people can express themselves through art, and it is so vital to their growth. Today, more than ever, with so many schools cutting art classes and art programs, kids need to be exposed to various means of art. We are so happy that we can still provide this exposure to our members of all ages at all of our Clubs. Art is a genuine way for kids to express themselves and to be creative. We are very appreciative to be a recipient of the Indiana Arts Commission funding, which allows us to continue to offer classes within a variety of art mediums, which provides a clear impact to our members,” states Kristina Balog, program director for Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana’s Cedar Lake Club.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana and Porter County’s collaborative exhibit will be displayed from October 23 – 25, 2015 at Southlake Mall in Merrillville, Indiana during Mall Hours. On Friday, October 23rd from 5 – 6 pm, an Artists’ Reception will be held for Club members who will have pieces on display. Over 400 fine art pieces will be judged by local professionals. Judges will vote on first, second, third, and honorable mention place artwork with all first place selections moving on to a 13-state regional competition. Youth participants, parents, family members, artists, art enthusiast, and the public are invited to view the exhibit during mall hours. Both Boys & Girls Clubs organizations are encouraging exhibit attendees to cast their “Peoples’ Choice” vote on their favorite artwork displayed. Ballots will be available during exhibit hours.

After the local exhibit, selected artwork will be screened at the regional level and a limited number will be sent to Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Atlanta headquarters for judging at the national level. 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 Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s President and CEO Jim Clark. Regional finalists will receive a certificate of participation.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana:
Every child deserves the opportunity to be successful. Currently operating six Clubs in Lake County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana (BGCNWI) has been offering hope and opportunity to local youth since 1954 by providing a safe place for kids to learn and grow through life enhancing after-school and summer programming. With the support of highly trained professional staff and adult mentors, BGCNWI helps build great futures by offering fun, engaging and impactful programs to nearly 10,000 youth ages 6 to 18. When schools are out, Clubs are in!

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County:
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. When school is out, our Clubs are in! Clubs are 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 bgcpoco.org. Great Futures Start HERE.