The Wonder of Student Art

The Guide's Grab Bag
Apr 29
2 min read

Hi, Friends! I recently visited the Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) to explore the Art from the Schools exhibit with my family, an annual celebration of artwork by young people. This exhibition, showcasing students aged 1-19, includes drawings, paintings, and sculptures from more than 30 schools, all presented beautifully throughout the Elizabeth de C. Wilson museum. As a parent, it’s quite a thrill to walk into such a renowned cultural space and find your child’s artwork hung smartly on the wall amongst their talented peers. Elliott was shy about it at first, but I think seeing his drawing curated with his classmates’ work gave him a feeling of pride. It sure did for me and his dad!

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Fostering opportunities for children to express themselves visually is fundamental to both their personal and academic growth. All the art teachers who dedicate their lives to this noble educational pursuit should be commended for guiding children through their own personal creative expression, which includes both individual and collaborative art projects. I loved seeing all the schools’ artwork on display, not just my son’s. I guarantee that if you haven’t seen it yet, you’ll find surprise and inspiration everywhere you look. SVAC provides Post-It Notes and pens so you can share your own thoughts about the young artists’ work, creating a fun, interactive feature that enhances the whole experience! Don’t forget to pop in to curATE Café during your visit for an unforgettable artisan meal to round out your day.

May 4 is your last chance to see the wonderful work of our local student artists! Scroll down to see more from the exhibit, as well as details about the other exhibit currently on display at SVAC and what’s coming next after Art from the Schools closes.