The motto at Southampton Arts Center (25 Jobs Lane, 631-283-0967) is to build community through the arts.
And with the museum and cultural institution’s recent partnering with Southampton School District, that motto is being put to work, as a collaborative, inaugural student artist exhibition prepares to open this Saturday, Feb. 7.
“This important new partnership between the Southampton Arts Center and the Southampton School District reflects our shared commitment to arts education and to supporting young artists in our community,“ says Southampton mayor William Manger.
Showcasing over 500 works from the district’s students ranging from grades kindergarten through 12, the about-to-launch education program, titled “First Light: Celebrating Student Artists of Southampton,” will be on view through May 3, with a central objective of providing access, exposure, inspiration and engagement amongst the community while simultaneously celebrating the students’ creativity.
According to a press release from SAC, the showcased artworks also include contributions from art teachers Andrew DeLeo, Jennifer Charron, Pamela Collins and Justine Moody.
During the course of the three-month run for the exhibition, a variety of mediums will be on displayed, including photography, paintings, ceramics, collage works, multimedia pieces, poetry and 3D designs. SAC will expand its Kids Programs by providing additional workshops and will also provide student membership cards to all of the district’s 1,200 members of the student body.
“We welcome Southampton, all school districts, and the general public to witness how the practice of art enhances life,” says Simone Levison, chairperson at SAC. “There is no greater experience than a child walking into a museum and spotting their own work on the wall; this can change their life forever. We are excited to create opportunities for the next generation of artists, collectors, and patrons of the arts. With this opportunity to exhibit, perform and be welcomed to SAC, we follow our mission of building community through the arts.”
All members of the community are welcome to attend an opening reception at SAC on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. Additionally, there’ll be a student family reception on Feb. 11, featuring three live performances: a flute ensemble from 4 to 5 p.m., strings from 5 to 6 p.m., and jazz saxophone rom 6 to 7 p.m.
