A brush with celebrity: Umbrella show spotlighting multigenerational artists
The second annual Student Summer Showcase opened July 15 with a reception attended by about 100 people.
For many young creators at The Umbrella Arts Center, it’s the first time they’ve seen their work in a gallery show.
The Umbrella’s second annual Student Summer Showcase, on display through August 30, features artwork created during the past year by students of all ages, from children as young as 5 to adult painters and ceramic artists.
The exhibit fills multiple galleries with drawings, paintings, and raku-fired ceramics, offering students a chance to share their work with the public.
“It’s definitely an opportunity for them to feel proud of the work that they’ve created,” said Jason Springer, The Umbrella’s director of education. “It is a big step in the journey of studying art and learning in the arts to get to the stage where you’re ready to present your work in a public gallery.”
The exhibit opened July 15 with a reception attended by about 100 people, including students, parents, and faculty.
At the celebration, juror Susan Swinand awarded a $500 Umbrella tuition scholarship to grand prize winner Martha Owens for her painting “Waiting,” along with seven honorable mentions that each carried a 20% tuition scholarship toward classes during the upcoming academic year.
Swinand said when she walked into the room and saw Owens’ painting, “I was attracted to it by color and by the simplicity of it and many different elements.”
‘They’re so proud’
While much of the exhibit highlights adult drawing, painting, and ceramics, an entire second-floor gallery is devoted to younger artists. The display includes paintings by children ages 5 to 8, comic drawings by students ages 8 to 12, and observational drawings created by teenagers.
Springer said seeing children’s artwork displayed in a professional gallery alongside their adult peers gives young artists confidence and recognizes the progress they’ve made.
“We had a number of the teens and of the parents and kids come to the opening,” he said. “They’re so proud. The parents are so proud of their kids, and the kids are just really excited to see their work.”
Swinand said it’s important for new artists to get their work before the public.
“People make art to be seen,” she said. “Unless people go and look at it and spend some time engaging with it, the cycle is not complete.”
The showcase presents a cross-section of artwork produced throughout the year across The Umbrella’s education department, giving visitors a glimpse into the breadth of classes offered and motivating those already involved.
“It’s definitely serving as an inspiration for the artists in the building,” Springer said. “It’s a beautiful show to come and see and experience.”
