With funding dwindling for art programs nationwide, Carnegie Arts Center has decided to do the opposite and encourage kids from kindergarten to eighth grade to participate in the Second Annual Youth Art Exhibition: “Ready, Set, Show!” The talented youth of Turlock are now having their art showcased at the Carnegie Arts Center. 

In 2015 the Marian Criscioli Youth Arts Fund was established and it made it possible to have an annual youth exhibit, which was one of the goals of the center since it opened in 2011. The purpose of the exhibit is to encourage young children to be creative and express themselves through art.

“We think the elementary school art show is something that has been missing in Turlock” said Lisa McDermott, Director at the Carnegie Arts Center, “We wanted to do something that would be encouraging to students in the smaller communities around Turlock.”

Entries made by 62 students from Turlock and surrounding areas were submitted in late May. Each child could submit up to 3 entries as long as they used different media.

“When parents bring their kids in to see the exhibit they’ll have the opportunity to make some art right then and there!” McDermott adds. A hands-on station will be available for children while the show is in view to engage young artists. “When they see art made by other children their age, they might want to try it too, so we’ll have some of the tools and materials in place for experimentation.”

The exhibit will be showing now through July 24. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm with an exception on Fridays where the center will be open until 8pm. Admission to the exhibit is free. Carnegie Arts Center is located at 250 N Broadway Ave.