Young artists showcase coming to Ti Arts Gallery

TICONDEROGA | For the second year in a row, self-proclaimed visual philosopher Michelle Vara is issuing a call to young artists between the ages of 7 and 17. Beginning April 1, the Ticonderoga Downtown Arts Gallery will be hosting the "Faces of the Future" exhibit, a show designed to encourage children to find joy in their own visual expression. "I don't think children have a lot of places to openly express their ideas and thoughts," explained Vara, owner and artist of Ballard Road Art Gallery in Wilton, N.Y. "I don't know that a lot of adults stop and give them pause to express these ideas. In allowing them full freedom to make a statement and posting that statement in a place visually where anyone can see and digest it, is to me a grand opportunity for them to say whatever they have to say." In spring 2022, Vara put together a themed window display at Ti Arts entitled "A Trip Through Art," with 125 participants submitting artwork to display in the gallery's large front windows. Receiving rave reviews for the way it livened up Montcalm Street and offered a big-town feel, in addition to increasing foot traffic and sales within the gallery, Vara is hopeful this year's exhibit will again add flair and optimism in a world that at times feels scary and uncertain. "Last year it was about environments, and the kids really blew me out of the water with how phenomenal they did," she praised. "It was mind-boggling and really detailed and thought out, sensitive and enlightened. I think that the children's voices get lost in the shuffle a lot of the time, and there is so much noise now these days. The more positive things we can offer our young people, the better off we are." Students from numerous schools are already lined up to participate, with Vara mentioning she would love to see home-schooled children included this year, not wanting any artist to be excluded in making their voices heard. The stipulations for this year's show are that the artists are to use one to two paper bags not to exceed 10 inches, in any color of their choosing. Using the future as their reference, children are encouraged to tackle any theme they desire, and utilize any material that is not alive (fish, plants, etc.); anything artificial is fair game. "They can do anything with the bags they want, anything at all," Vara encouraged. "Rip them up, tear, crumble, glue, form, make into something else. There is no limit to how they use it." Vara did caution against using wax as a medium due to the display windows getting hot in the spring sun. Vara praised Ticonderoga for its receptive-natured community members that make art showcases possible. "Since I have been nosing around Ticonderoga, I have found the people to be wonderful. They are very nice and open; it's been a really easy place to propose ideas," she said. "After doing the initial project last year and the response being so phenomenal, it made the heart sing. As we know in the world today, those things are really hard to come by." Seddon Beaty, Co-President of the Ti Arts Gallery, is one of those people that Vara spoke of, always looking for new ways to feature the gallery and expose the Ticonderoga area to fine arts. "Hopefully community members who take the opportunity to view this art project in the gallery windows will enjoy the display and feel proud of the thinking and work of the area students," she said. "Perhaps it will also bring an understanding of what the students of today are thinking of where the future might take them." Submissions must be ready to hang by March 27, with drop-offs at Ti Arts welcome, or drop-offs to Vara. She may be reached at 518-587-8706, and via email at michellevara09@gmail.com. The Ti Arts Gallery is located at 119 Montcalm Street in Ticonderoga. The Ballard Road Art Gallery is located at 6 Ballard Road in Wilton, N.Y.

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Young artists showcase coming to Ti Arts Gallery

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