As far as presidents go, Franklin Delano Roosevelt often had wise words on an abundance of topics, but he was most unequivocal when it came to supporting and fostering the arts:
“The arts cannot thrive except where [people] are free to be themselves and to be in charge of the discipline of their own energies and ardors. The conditions for democracy and for art are one and the same.”
Amen to that, FDR. It’s one of the many reasons to go check out and support the annual Student Exhibition from March 15 to April 27 at the Parrish Art Museum (279 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill, 631-283-2118).
The importance of art being introduced into the lives of children from a young age on can’t be overstated — but it sure can be underfunded and under appreciated. So the notion that, for 72 years, the Parrish has supported and fostered the creative minds and endeavors of our local kids (and proudly displays them on their hallowed walls for all to see) is no small thing.
“The Student Exhibition unites the East End community as we come together to honor the creativity, imagination and innovation of these young artists and their passionate teachers,” said Casey Meyer, senior education programs manager at the Parrish, in a statement to the press. “Our goal is to provide young artists and their families with the time and space to showcase their work and celebrate the joy of creating.”
This year, over 1,000 student artists from close to 50 Eastern Long Island schools will show the talent and tenacity of East End’s burgeoning under-18 art community, bringing together a multitude of expressive disciplines: painting, photography, drawing and sculpture among them. Some of the young artists created works via the Visiting Artist Initiative, which affords kids the opportunity for collaboration and counsel from a working artist. This year, the Parrish visiting artist is Andrea Cote, whose work was featured this past fall at the 13th Parrish Road Show at Bridge Gardens, and explored the human connection to the cycles of nature and the seasons.
Continued Meyer: “Every year, this exhibition sparks creativity and provides young students in our community a wonderful forum to exhibit their artistic talent.”
The first day of the exhibition kicks off at 11 a.m. with a gallery preview, a young artists preview (pre-K to grade 8) from noon to 2 p.m., and the high school showing from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission for the kick-off Preview Day is free and light refreshments will be on hand.
The Parrish Art Museum is open Thursday to Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults, $14 for seniors and free for visitors 18 and under, college students with a current school I.D., SNAP recipients, veterans and active duty military, members of the Shinnecock Nation and Southampton and Tuckahoe school district residents and employees through the Resident Pass Program.
