ArtSpirit: Teen art show opens in Calaveras County

Calaveras School kids make glorious art

ARTSPIRIT
​A show by and for Calaveras teens
​
Awards reception on April 4 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
​
The Calaveras County Arts Council Gallery is open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
22 North Main Street, San Andreas
209/754-1774

See online art show

​ After a two-month hiatus for cleaning and painting, the Calaveras County Arts Council Gallery in San Andreas is once again filled with artwork. The popular show ArtSpirit is on view during the month of March. Executive Director Kathy Mazzaferro couldn’t be happier.
 
“Having artwork back in the gallery is like having the kids come home for the holidays,” she said. That’s a particularly poignant observation, since ArtSpirit is dedicated to the work of Calaveras County teens.

In this pointillist painting “Taunt,” Kyle Whitsitt explores landscape and color.

The show spotlights more than 100 artworks from the students of three Calaveras County high schools—Bret Harte, Calaveras, and Sierra Hills Education Center—and includes paintings, drawings, collage and ceramics.
 
While some of the works are serious artistic explorations—for example, Elias Harrison’s single flower gazes longingly at it’s reflection in a darkened window—other works are sheer explosions of joy—Calaveras High School ceramics collection features hilarious pieces like “monster” sculptures, a winsome frog on a box, and a smiling winged “snitch.”

A pink flower in Elias Harrison’s painting “Flower” bends toward its reflection in a darkened mirror.

Much of the work is done by students in their classrooms. According to Mazzaferro, “ArtSpirit is back because of the teachers. The show happened because the teachers took the time to bring it all over.” Mark Waelty of Bret Harte, Devon York of Calaveras High, and Lynn Lynn of Sierra Hills Education hung the show.
 
“The kids made the art and the teachers made the show.”
 
Arts in Education is one of the Arts Council’s signature programs. At their behest, March has officially been designated Arts in Education month by the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors.
 
"Calaveras County is so fortunate to have the support of our Board of Supervisors,” Mazzaferro said. “They understand the importance of all of the arts, be it music, dance, art, theater, etc. in the quality of life and the economic advantages the arts provide for Calaveras County. The Board's Resolution acknowledges the importance of arts education as part of the foundation for our future.

From left: Calaveras County Arts Council Executive Director Kathy Mazzaferro and Calaveras County District 3 Supervisor Merita Callaway show proclamation that March is Arts in Education Month in Calaveras County.

ArtSpirit will be on display through April 4, when it ends with a reception from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and an awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m. You can view select pieces from the show at www.calaverasarts.org.
 
“I love all our art shows, but this is my favorite show of the year,” Mazzaferro said. “It’s alive, vibrant. There’s a fresh energy. There’s a newness. The kids are consumed with the joy of making it, and they’re excited to see their art in a real gallery.”
 
Mazzaferro encouraged everyone to visit the gallery and enjoy the show. "I cannot stress enough how much community support of the arts means to our kids. Please take the time to come to the Gallery and celebrate their accomplishments. Vote for your "People's Choice Award".
 
“These students will be our legacy, the ones who tell our stories in years to come."
 
And oh, what stories they already tell.

Polina Lushova uses colored pencils to create this work titled “Orange.”