Washougal’s ‘Youth Art Month’ kicks off with student art gallery

The Washougal School District (WSD) and Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance (WACE) have joined forces again to shine a spotlight on student art throughout March, which is recognized nationally as Youth Art Month.

Washougal’s Youth Art Month kicks off Thursday with a youth-led art gallery at Washougal Town Square in downtown Washougal. The gallery opens at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 5, and will run from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 5-6; and from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 7.

“We were overwhelmed by the community interest and support of last year’s gallery,” said Alice Yang, Cape Horn-Skye Art Teacher. “Hundreds of families and art lovers stopped by each day to enjoy the student work. And the students are very excited again to have their pieces showcased in this way. The level of creativity shown by our youth is impressive!”

Art pieces to be displayed include multimedia, watercolor, clay and video, and include works by Washougal High School Career and Technical Education students with photography, metal and wood pieces. A variety of school bands and choirs will perform throughout the month and Journey Theater will feature presentations of “The Secret Garden.”

Washougal Community Education is offering a variety of art classes in March.

“We are pleased to have some new art opportunities for our students, and parents, to explore their creative side,” said Kathy Douglas-Evans, of Washougal Community Education.

The Paint Roller and Washougal glass artist, Shirley Bishop, will offer new, creative classes for youth, including classes on glass fusing, rock and face painting, and canvas painting.

BrickZone will offer an artistic Spring Break camp, with registration available online at washougal.k12.wa.us/wcer.

To celebrate Youth Art Month, WACA has invited all Washougal students to participate in a photography challenge.

“We’re asking them to grab their smartphone or digital camera and share through photography the beauty of Washougal,” said WACA Board member Susan Warford. “We want them to find unique angles, use interesting lighting, and wonderful scenic views that illustrate the beauty of our area.”

Images will be shared on the WACA website and Facebook pages. For more information and a student-release form, visit washoug alarts.org.

Washougal Youth Arts Month is made possible through partnerships with area artists, Washougal Community Education, Washougal Public Library, Washougal Schools Foundation and more. Students will have opportunities to make and display art throughout the events and activities planned all month long.

“We are very excited to be entering into our second year of partnering with our community in support of the thriving art scene in Washougal through Youth Arts Month,” said WSD Superintendent Mary Templeton. “Our students benefit greatly from an education that includes experiences to create, invent, and express their dreams through art.”

Other community partners include the Washougal library, which is offering a pottery class; and the Washougal School of Music, which is hosting a community recital showcasing the talents of their students as well as an adult bluegrass jam session that students are invited to attend to see how music can come together in a free and creative environment.

~ Information provided by Rene Carroll and the Washougal School District