Beginning today and running through Sunday January 10th the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County is exhibiting members’ artwork at Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro. There is a great display of artwork from the Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale & Lynden Clubs. The exhibit is part of Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County Fine Arts Exhibit and winning pieces here will be shipped to California for regional judging later this month.
The program director of the Bellingham Boys & Girls Club sent me this email today explaining the exhibit in greater detail:
“Thank you so much for your warm enthusiasm and support of art. We are so loved by you [Boundary Bay Brewery] and get so much great support AND it is always with happy spirits and HUGE smiles! Thank You! Thank You!
The art that was put on display was part of the National Fine Arts Exhibit, a national program (recognized through Boys & Girls Club of America), that the Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale and Lynden clubs participate in. There are 10 different categories and 4 age groups. Each Club creates art and select pieces per category and age groups represent the Club by being promoted to the next level. Here is how that part works:
It starts within each Club where pieces are selected to be entered into the “exhibit”. Then, the advancing pieces go to the “county exhibit, hence the exhibit at Boundary Bay. From there, the art will go to the regional exhibit which is held at a Boys & Girls Club in California. Those selected from the California exhibit, advance to the National Exhibit, held at Boys & Girls Club of America headquarters in Atlanta, GA. Winners at the national level are awarded with full recognition, make it on the next years promotion poster and there are scholarship monies involved and awarded as well.
Coming up next (in the Spring) is the National Image Makers Exhibit; another nationally recognized program the same clubs participate in. Much like the Art Program, but with photography! We have a photo club here at the Bellingham Boys & Girls Club called “Say Cheese” and our staff member Josh has a ton of fun with the kids teaching them all kinds of photography know how. All art programs are facilitated by the staff and all kids are encouraged to participate. This is definitely an area where kids have very little experience, and gives an enrichment opportunities for all club members who might otherwise have very limited photography experience.
The Boys & Girls Club is a youth development program full of exciting and unique opportunities. And clearly, these clubhouses are full of fun! This truly is a one of a kind program that provides opportunities for all kinds of enrichment and spectacularly awesome opportunity for all kids, ages 5-18.”
-Rhonda Shaffer, Program Director of the Bellingham Boys & Girls Club
The mission of the Boys & Girls Club is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Come support what this amazing organization does and see the great artwork created by the kids now on display here at Boundary Bay Brewery.
And if you’re a local artist who’d like to get more involved, read on: the Bellingham Boys & Girls Club is actively looking for local artists to come in and expose the kids to whatever kind of art you do. You don’t have to teach, there’s no time commitment and the kids might even be able to come to your studio. Interested? Contact the Boys & Girls Club here. Cheers!
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