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Young artists get time in the spotlight

By Heather Castro Contributing Art Writer

I know I'm not the first to say it, but I love Zac Efron. I love him not for tweeny reasons — I'm kinda past the point of scrawling the High School Musical actor's name on my Trapper Keeper — but for what he and other young stars are doing for the rising interest in the arts among America's youth.

It's an interest that, for Kentucky, couldn't come at a better time.

"Right now, we're looking at the future of the Guild," says Jeannette Rowlett, president of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen. "A lot of our (artist) members are getting older — new members apply and that's great, but it's important to educate the next generation."

Rebecca Powell, special events coordinator for the Explorium of Lexington, agrees.

"Public schools have had lots of cuts in the arts," she said. "It's sad that they can't support it."

With the Kentucky Guild's annual Fall Fair this weekend and the Explorium's Museum Go Round scheduled for Oct. 18, both organizations are providing professional opportunities for the artistic youth of the commonwealth.

Pilot program

Marking its 41st anniversary, the guild's Fall Fair is known for exhibiting the work of the group's artist-members. This year is no exception — it will feature 80 artists working in all mediums — but the fair is also featuring 27 guest artists, all of whom are high school and middle school students, for a special young artist exhibition.

"'The Future KGAC' is a pilot program" with the expectation of going statewide, Rowlett says. "We've asked the schools in Madison County — being closer — to choose three of their best and most-interested students in art to display their work at the fair."

The students will not only be exhibiting together but, like their professional counterparts, will be competing for prizes. Three People's Choice awards are up for grabs; fair attendees will be provided with ballots and encouraged to vote. The top three students will be presented with monetary awards to help further their interest in art.

'What they're born to do'

Young artistic experience is to be had at another youth-oriented art fair: next weekend's Museum Go Round. A street festival outside the Explorium's entrance on Short Street, the Museum Go Round is limited to artists younger than 18, with this year's fair featuring a whopping 100 participants.

"This is our eighth year, and we have a lot of returning artists," Powell says.

From an artistic family herself, Powell identifies with the drive behind youthful artists.

"I had no choice. I was born to love art," she said. "The Museum Go Round allows kids to continue what they love, what they're born to do, and we give them a head start to their future by learning the economics of art."

Benefits of an early start

Getting one's feet wet in the business of art is vital because, let's face it: While we might be influenced by people like Efron or artist Damien Hirst, not every child is going to grow into over-the-top financial success.

But for the next generation of our state's traditional crafters and contemporary visual artists — those currently running around playgrounds, working on math homework, and learning to drive while squeezing in time to learn to use watercolors, carve wood and master jewelry techniques — international success is hardly the point. It's the recognition, confidence and practical know-how that comes with the title "exhibiting youth artist."

The Museum Go Round "gives us an outlet to show these youngsters that people care about their art," Powell says. "We concentrate on their art and make them stars."

Rowlett agrees.

"Artists are older — in their 30s — when they decide to participate" in the Guild, she says. "That's why we have these younger folks starting now. In trying to look forward to the future, we're ensuring that tradition stays alive."