Two exhibits in Franklin County are presenting work by young creatives with a goal of developing an appreciation and interest in the art world.

In Northfield, the Deerfield Valley Art Association (DVAA) is hosting its second annual student art exhibit through Feb. 18 at Fiddleheads Gallery. The exhibit will be open on Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and there will be a closing reception on Saturday from noon to 5:30 p.m. The displays are made by elementary school students featuring works inspired by their favorite books.

Vincent Pernice, the youngest artist in the exhibit at 5 years old, showed his two pieces of Max and Arthur, characters from the book “Art & Max” by David Wiesner. Vincent has made lots of other art he is proud of, including drawings of a trophy, a turtle and abstract pieces. He also has done marbling work. His piece was sold during the opening reception for $15.

When asked if Vincent would like to be an artist when he grows up, he responded yes, and said, “I am already an artist.”

Marge Anderson, president of DVAA, explained that showing work by young artists gets children excited about visual art and increases their interest in art for the future. Part of DVAA’s mission is to be community-focused. This means centering the exhibits with locally trained artists and featuring young children, too.

The theme of this year’s exhibit gets children to see that art is everywhere, Anderson said. Last year there was no theme for the show, but much of the art featured similar subjects having mostly been submitted from projects in art classes at the local schools.

Cindy White, a board member with DVAA, said being interested in art can be great for productivity when people enter the workforce. She said having a background in art creates more creative problem-solvers as adults, a much-needed skill.

At Artspace Community Art Center in Greenfield, another display showcases work by high school students, continuing the excitement about art for the younger generation. This show has taken place for 49 years, displaying art from students at Pioneer Valley Regional School, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Northfield Mount Hermon School and Franklin County Technical School. A reception is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The exhibit runs through Feb. 23.

“I think it’s terrific that they continue to have the annual show for teens, and hope to participate as long as they do,” said Pioneer art teacher Tracy Derrig.

Jillian Henry, Artspace’s office manager, explained that elementary students are mostly seeking to create and are less interested in feedback. In high school, she said the students’ confidence is volatile and it is a critical time for them to get positive feedback from families and peers.

Hannah Richards, Visual Arts Department chair at Stoneleigh-Burnham, said gallery shows exhibiting work by young artists also contribute to an area’s arts culture.

“My colleagues and I believe that visiting and participating in public exhibitions is invaluable to our students’ education; not only to have the experience of seeing their own and peers’ work in a professional gallery setting as part of their middle and high school education but just as importantly, to have the opportunity to contribute to and participate in the arts culture of our community,” Richards said.

The high school show is often packed full of submissions, and art is displayed throughout the hallways as well as in the gallery space. Artspace displays all art that is submitted without rejecting pieces to get as many students involved as possible.

Henry explained that seeing fine art can be inspiring to look at, but seeing high school art can elicit a different type of inspiration. She said the art is all made with less technical experience, which is inspiring for her to pick up new skills and try to make different types of art. Peces on display include pottery, cardboard sculptures and paintings.

Many of the students included in Artspace’s exhibit plan to pursue studio art at the college level when they graduate from high school. When asked how the art show has changed over time, Stephen Hussey, president of the center’s board of directors, said it is always very similar but includes a range of styles.

“The teen show is always the most varied and vibrant,” Hussey said. “It is so big, with so many people.”

Bella Levavi can be reached
at blevavi@recorder.com or
413-930-4579.

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