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A-Plus Art - Student Art Celebrated at City Hall

Antonio Williams, Carver High School, 10th Grade
The newest show at the Art Gallery at City Hall is "A-Plus Art." This exhibition continues a tradition we began last year, where we partner with the School District of Philadelphia to cull the best art from their annual summer art exhibition at the School District headquarters (2,000 pieces!) and select about 50 pieces to be exhibited at City Hall.

This show once again highlights the extraordinary artwork being done by our young Philadelphia students: their dedication, talent, and discipline. Their work is made possible by the dedication and skill of their art teachers, and by the support of their parents. Without all these elements success is nearly impossible. The work covers a a wide array of ages/grades, and also many different neighborhoods of the City. (See the map and list of schools below)


The exhibit will culminate in a panel discussion on arts education on arts education issues, as well as a closing reception where every young artist will be presented with a certificate from the Mayor, recognizing the honor of being exhibited in City Hall.
Ricky Lee, Hancock Elementary, 2nd Grade

I blogged a few weeks ago about why arts education is important, a piece that was later adapted for Lorene Cary's blog. I encourage those who have not seen it to take a look (here is the link), if you need to strengthen the case that arts education is crucial not just for artistic and social reasons, but for economic development reasons as well. Recent unfortunate incidences of anti-social behavior by young people have obscured the fact that we have vast numbers of talented, dedicated, engaged young citizens in this City. The arts can play an important role in the lives of young people, and frankly resources invested in arts education in the long run save money that would otherwise have to be invested in law enforcement and prisons. Given the current challenges at the School District, we need informed and passionate advocates for the importance of arts education now, more than ever.

If you want to be inspired about the future of our City, represented by the young people who ARE the future, come to this show! [Exhibition closes September 30th]

Details:

Art Gallery at City Hall is open Monday-Friday (except holidays) 10-4. It is in Room 116 of City Hall, which can be accessed without going through security. Enter the East portal and turn right into City Hall inside the portal. Gallery will be on your right. The closing reception is September 30th, 4:30-7 PM. And the panel discussion will be in City Hall (room TBD) at 3:30 PM (Check here for more details, call 215-686-9912, or e-mail artincityhall@phila.gov).

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