Pensacola Museum of Art to host 63rd Annual Youth Art Focus exhibition
The Pensacola Museum of Art will host the 63rd Annual “Youth Art Focus” exhibition Jan. 13 – Feb. 18, 2017, in partnership with the Escambia County School District and in recognition of National Youth Art Month.
Sponsored by the PMA Guild, “Youth Art Focus” highlights the best works from more than 500 art students and educators within Escambia County schools, celebrating their artistic achievements and area teachers’ dedication to art education.
“The Pensacola Museum of Art seeks to strengthen partnerships within the community through the common thread of art,” said Suzanne Slabaugh, curatorial assistant for the PMA. “We believe this partnership is especially important to the youth of Escambia County. We hope to inspire young members of the community to pursue their passion in the arts through this program, providing a meaningful outlet to encourage their endeavors.”
“Youth Art Focus” gives the public a chance to view the work of Escambia County’s art education programs. Additionally, more than 1,000 students visit the museum during the exhibit, exposing them to the fine art world in a professional museum environment.
“As educators, it is our job to give students the opportunity to experience some of the roles artists play in the real world, and exhibition is one small facet of this,” said Tanya Broom, art teacher at Booker T. Washington High School. “Each year students are excited to display their talents and hard work in a museum environment. They especially enjoy the opportunity to exhibit alongside their art teachers.”
“The ‘Youth Art Focus’ exhibition is a valuable experience for my students because we are getting ready to begin a unit on photography,” said Marcy McGahan, art teacher at Hellen Caro Elementary School. “I am eager for my students to see the PMA’s exhibit of Warren Thompson’s photographs as a source of inspiration to bring back into the classroom and apply to their own artwork.”
The “Warren Thompson: Moonpies” exhibition runs concurrently with “Youth Art Focus,” featuring black-and-white photographs from 10 seasons of Mardi Gras celebrations on the Gulf Coast.
Located at 407 S. Jefferson St. in historic downtown Pensacola, the PMA is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for military with ID, seniors and children ages 4-17. Admission is free for museum members and children ages 3 and younger.
For more information about the PMA, call 850.432.6247 or visit pensacolamuseum.org.
