Our first 2020 summer event for YEA (Young Emerging Artists) was “SELF-PORTRAITS” and there were 17 artists who signed up for the fun.
Art kits were distributed in mid-June. The kits included markers, paints or crayons and a paper bag or construction paper. Other materials (such as fabric or colored paper) could be used, but were not supplied by aRc.
Using a “selfie” photo, or looking in the mirror, each child was invited to draw their face on the bag and then deliver the finished “self-portrait” to one of our aRc members by June 25. Kids completed this project at home … with or without the supervision of a parent.
In addition to posting photos of the self-portraits on FaceBook and the aRc website, aRc decorated the schoolhouse windows with our kids’ art and titled the display as “Rico People”. From July 1-12 Rico friends and family drove, or walked, by the display to admire the wonderful creativity of our YEA kids. Starting July 15, the portraits can be viewed in the Rico Town Hall (typically open Monday-Thursday business hours).
Initially aRc was going to judge the self-portraits and present gift certificates to three winners, but the individuality and creativity displayed by our YEA was overwhelming. Instead, every participant was presented with $20 and a certificate of recognition for their contribution.
aRc judges voted and were pleased to recognize —
For the “under 10” participants,
Cati, age 7, for her “most playful” picture
Kean, age 5, for his “most creative” picture
Iris, age 3, for her use of “unique construction/materials”
Axton, age 7, for his “most humorous” picture
For the “10 and over” participants,
Rosie, age 10, for her “most playful” picture
Griffin, age 9, for her “most creative” picture
Austin, age 11, for her “most inspiring” picture
Mae, age 13, for her “most intriguing/abstract” picture
Harper, age 10, for her “most unique construction” picture
Eldora, age 11, for her “most unique concept” picture
Violet, age 12, for her picture with the “most personality”
Emmy, age 12, for her “most genuine” picture
Wylee, age 13, for her “most perceptive” picture
Lana, age 12, for her picture that “makes a statement/has a message”
Tiegan, age 11, for her “most imaginative” picture
Clara, age 14, for her “most detailed” picture
Paige, age 10, for her “most insightful/happy” picture
YEA kids found that this project was not as easy as it sounded … they challenged the aRc members to submit their self-portraits, too! Five of our senior artists responded to the YEA dare and their work was included in the schoolhouse display.
Thanks to our sponsors, The Rico Center and The Telluride Foundation, for the grant money to fund this program.
