10/30/2026
Photo caption: The Elementary Youth Art League class of the Gateway Art Gallery learned about the artist Piet Mondrian and painted wooden boxes in the style of Mondrian. Helen Beaty was the artist/teacher and Bob Ellis was the volunteer artist assistant along with Finn Wagner and Lillie Hughes who are two of the Senior YAL students.Gateway Art Gallery Expands Opportunities for Young
Artists
FREE ART CLASSES, MATERIALS AND
COMPETITION ENTRIES OFFERED TO YOUTH ART LEAGUE MEMBERS. REGISTRATION OPENS
NOV. 7
The Gateway Art Gallery is expanding
opportunities for young artists through its Youth Art League (YAL), thanks to
community outreach grants, including a recent grant from Clay Electric
Cooperative.
The program, open to students ages
6–18, offers monthly art classes taught by professional artists. For a $20
annual membership fee, students receive a full year of instruction, art
materials and competition entry fees at no additional cost. The gallery
anticipates enrolling more than 70 students for the coming year in the Saturday
lessons.
“The Youth Art League reflects the
gallery's commitment to making art accessible to the next generation,
regardless of a family's ability to pay for lessons and supplies,” says Brenda
Kennedy, Youth Art League coordinator. “With professional instruction,
opportunities to exhibit their work and the encouragement of a creative
community, young artists can discover just how far their talents may take them.”
Research supports the value of arts
education. A large-scale study involving more than 10,000 students in Houston
found that increased arts experiences improved writing achievement, increased
students’ compassion for others and reduced disciplinary problems.
Kennedy announced that the annual
Youth Art League Awards Reception, end-of-year Pizza Party, and Registration
for 2027 classes will take place Saturday, November 7, at the Gateway
Art Gallery, 168 N. Marion Street in downtown Lake City.
The schedule includes the awards
presentation from 10–11 a.m., followed by the annual pizza party from 11
a.m. until noon. Pinnacle AutoSound is generously donating the prize money
for the Youth Art League art show.
Registration for 2027 classes begins
at noon on November 7, not before. Parents must register their children in
person at the Gallery, 168 N. Marion Street in downtown Lake City. Registration
will remain open after November 7 but will close when all available class
spaces have been filled. With more than 70 students expected, families are
encouraged to register early. Classes begin in January.
Monthly classes are scheduled by age
group:
• Ages 14–17:
Second Saturday, 10–11:30 a.m.
• Ages 10–13:
Second Saturday, noon–1:30 p.m.
• Ages 6–9:
Fourth Saturday, 10–11:30 a.m.
•
There are other opportunities for
young artists, including a unique class that combines art with literacy,
Teaching Kids Through Art. Students in grades 2-4 will learn about art and
artists while creating art and improving their reading and writing skills. They
meet monthly on the second Wednesday of each month, 3:00-5:00.
Youth Art League also welcomes
volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of young artists. Volunteer
artists and helpers are always needed to maximize the students’ experiences,
assist with classes and activities, and encourage the next generation of
creative talent.
Through the generosity of community
partners, donors and volunteers, the Gateway Art Gallery is helping make art
accessible to young people throughout the community. The program provides not
only instruction and materials but also a welcoming place where children and teens
can explore their imaginations, develop skills and share their accomplishments.
https://go2.art/PUzp
