I truly believe in the importance of the arts in a young person's life, I see it every year in our National Arts Contest.
Throughout the year, we provide a variety of high-quality arts experiences for youth, which culminate in the National Arts Contest. This program enables Club youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through visual arts. First-place pieces also get submitted to the National Boys & Girls Clubs contest!
Most importantly, it celebrates creativity and highlights members who sometimes aren’t always in the spotlight. Nothing compares to a smile on a young person’s face when they see something they created on a wall with a blue ribbon.
This year, members were encouraged to express their creativity by exhibiting their work for judging in local and national competitions using following themes: "Setting Expectations – Being Your Best Self", "Speaking Up – Youth Voice & Leadership", "Social Justice Through the Arts", and "Wellness Inside and Out – Personal and Community Wellbeing".
All pieces, which include photographs, paintings, mixed media art, video submissions, and more, are on display in a gallery at the Martin V. Smith Youth Center (1900 West Fifth Street, Oxnard, CA 93030) until February 20th – I would love to take you on a guided tour!
