[VIDEO] Ankeny Schools: A Salute to the Arts

Over 350 student artists, teachers, family and friends attend the Ankeny Schools K-12 Art Show and Reception last Thursday on April 10. The weather was excellent and not only was the gallery packed, but the pottery studio was also frequently visited as guests stopped in to see the live demonstrations! 

We strongly believe that unique art experiences help enrich the lives of the public and teach children how to be better members of the community. Many believe that arts education has been slipping for more than three decades, leaving many children without the tools or space to explore and express themselves through art freely. With that in mind, the Ankeny Art Center is committed to supporting and celebrating the incredible artistic talents of our area youth in our professional gallery setting!

What memories do you have of art when you were a child? Think about that question. One of my favorite memories about my mother is her encouraging me to draw, paint and play my instrument in the school band. The arts were powerful in my life because they helped to create and provided me with my identify. Similarly, I believe that my involvement in the arts helped shape my sense of compassion and understanding of the world. We know that the arts and creativity contributes to student development in several areas, including communications skills, critical thinking skills, and learning about other cultures and ideas. How did it affect you?

Is your own child showing an interest in art? Don't let your child miss out on learning opportunities in the arts!  The arts help provide children with the very skills and habits of mind that we know are essential to succeeding in life. Creativity, observing as opposed to simply seeing, identifying as well as solving problems, thinking outside the box, and visually communicating are skills that are strongly supported by the arts and desperately needed in the 21st century.

Come and see the outstanding student artwork beautifully displayed at the Ankeny Art Center during this show! We have another reception this week for the Ankeny north feeder system on Thursday, April 17th, 5-7pm. Can't make the reception? The Ankeny K-12 art exhibit will be displayed in our gallery through May 3rd. Stop it and see the creative and imaginative student artwork, check out the wonderful classes we have for both children and adults or just say hello!

For more information about our exhibitions, class schedules, events or volunteer opportunities, please visit us at www.AnkenyArtCenter.com, stop by and visit our gallery at 1520 SW Ordnance Road, Ankeny. Our gallery hours are: Tu-Fr: 9a-1p, Th: 4p-7p, Sa: 9a-noon and you can reach us by phone at 515-965-0940 or email at: ankenyarts@ankenyartcenter.com. Like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AnkenyArtCenter

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