In many African cultures, the measure of the health of a community or village is measured by the health of the children. Along with the customary greetings, the accompanying question is, “Are the children well?”
In too many corners of our world, we know that children are often at risk. I am reminded of the work the Black Panther Party did to ensure the nutritional well-being of community children through their breakfast programs. With changes in federal support looming over programs like Head Start, community programs like the Black Panther Free Breakfast Program will again play a critical role in keeping our children well and ready to learn.
Their creative outlets can also gauge the social well-being of our children.
The Youth Showcase art exhibit currently in view at ARTE NOIR is a glimpse into the social and mental well-being of the nine young people who have offered their art to this showcase. The exhibit encompasses a spectrum of creative offerings that span from playful expressions from a 10-year-old to portraiture by a young adult with the skill of a seasoned painter. You may have seen the ARC Seattle Black History Month
feature on the Central District with Tyrah Majors when co-anchors Steve and Theron gushed about The Ram, painted by Guilite Kamanda.
One of nine artists featured in the showcase, Kinshasa, Congo-born Kamanda has learned to paint with oil and among his favorite things to paint are native animals. His portraits draw you in to examine the depth of his skill and ability to recreate what is in his mind's eye.
At the opening reception, I chatted with 16-year old Andrew Seffernick from Gig Harbor. While admiring his metal work, his proud grandmother noted that Andrew had a few pieces not on display, but in his pocket. I convinced him to show them and again complimented his work, which engages what we now call up-cycling, and to Andrew, is simply making art from discarded items. His work is creative, imaginative, and inspiring. This was his first time showing any of his work publicly and he said to me, “I’m surprised anyone finds my work interesting.”
These words stuck with me and reminded me that while nutrition and shelter are critical to the well being of our young people, lifting them up and taking an interest in their creativity is equally important to their motivation and self confidence.
Hosting this showcase of creative works by young people in our community offers an opportunity to see them where they are and to be there for them, opening spaces that are not always welcoming to budding young talent.
The beautiful thing about this exhibit just two weeks post opening is that red (sold) dots flow all around the gallery. Sure, proud parents and grandparents are probably the primary purchasers, but regardless, the message being sent to these young people is that they are valued and what they create also has value.
We encourage you to stop in and take a look and perhaps purchase a piece. What better way to start your collection than with the art of a budding young artist in our midst? We invite you to help us play a part in ensuring that the children are well.
Meet the artists here and enjoy a few photos from the opening reception below!
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