ENCOURAGEMENT. OPPORTUNITY. CONFIDENCE. Like dominoes, those three words tip into one another. And the result for young people can make all the difference.
Those thoughts emerge upon viewing the All Student Art Show at the Paradise Center for the Arts in historic downtown Faribault. This year’s show, featuring the art of students from Faribault Area Learning Center and Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt Elementary Schools, runs until April 9.
I view this show through not only an appreciative lens, but also through the lens of encouraging students in the arts. Showcasing their art in a public exhibit most assuredly builds confidence.
If we all thought for a moment, I expect we could list individuals in our lives who encouraged us in our interests, passions and/or careers. For me, that would be Mrs. Kotval, an elementary school teacher who each afternoon read aloud chapters from books—the entire Little House series, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (and Tom Sawyer), Black Beauty… From those post lunch readings, my love for language and stories sparked. In middle school, Mrs. Sales fostered my increasing love for language and writing. Across the hall, a math teacher (whom I shall not name) scared me so much that my dislike of numbers multiplied. In high school, Mr. Skogen required journal keeping, further fostering my love of writing. And in college, Mr. Shipman and Mrs. Olson offered such encouragement that I never questioned my decision to pursue a journalism degree.
How reaffirming then to have educators encouraging young people in the arts, and an arts center that values their work.
At this student art exhibit, you won’t find ribbons or other awards. And that, too, I appreciate. You’ll find art. Simply art. I think too often there’s a tendency to pass out ribbons to everyone. Kids can see right through universal praise, which then feels mostly meaningless.
But nothing is meaningless about the art showcased along the hallway and a classroom on the second floor of the Paradise. Every student, from kindergarten through high school, created a work of art worthy of public showing. Worthy, not necessarily by the art critic definition of art, but rather via the definition of this is something a child/pre-teen/teen created. That’s the value therein.
Perhaps some of these students will pursue art professionally. But I expect most won’t. For some, art will always be a side interest/hobby/pursuit. Yet, this early encouragement, no matter future interest, fosters an appreciation for the arts that can last a lifetime. What a gift that is to our young people.
To the students who created art for the 2022 exhibit, thank you for sharing your creativity. To the educators who worked with these youth, thank you. And to the Paradise Center for the Arts, thank you for each year hosting this student art exhibit. What a gift to our community.
TELL ME: Did someone encourage you at a young age to follow an interest/passion/other pursuit? I’d like to hear.
FYI: Other area arts centers are also featuring youth art in current exhibits. At the Owatonna Arts Center, view the Owatonna Public Schools K-12 Art Exhibit from now until March 27. At the Arts and Heritage Center of Montgomery, student art from Tri-City United is now displayed, beginning with elementary age. That transitions to art by middle schoolers and then to high school students, through May 14.
© Copyright 2022 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
wonderful, wonderful and I so appreciate no ribbons or awards for the show
Thank you for appreciating this student art.
I went to a small gallery in Nashville once and happened upon an area of art created by local students that had things for sale and that’s where I bought my art that day. I’m sure it made the children feel so valued as artists and creators.
I love this story of purchasing children’s art. Thank you for sharing this.
I love children’s art. So free and unencumbered.
I think you’re right on that Keith– free and unencumbered. It’s good to hear from you!
Slowly coming out from under…
I know it’s been a difficult time for you and your family, Keith. Thinking of you, Nicole and Ethan. I care.
My mother was a creator in many ways and always encouraged me to do fun and creative things. It is so wonderful to see young people create, isn’t it? Warms my heart.
I definitely see your mother’s creativity in you. I love love love the greeting cards you create.
My high school art teacher Mrs. Sobeck encouraged me to pursue the arts. I’m still in contact with her 30 years later. I’m a professional artist, the visual arts and education director at the Paradise Center for the Arts, and on the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council advisory panel. I love to encourage everyone to explore the arts, young and old. Thank you for sharing the arts Audrey!
You are welcome, Julie. And thank you for sharing about your high school art teacher and the encouragement she gave you. I love, especially, that you are still in contact with her three decades later.
My junior high creative writing teacher, Mrs. Wheeler, gave tons of encouragement to all of us who showed up in her room during our free period to write whatever we wanted to write. She was the best! She would let us experiment with any poetic form we wanted to learn about.
Thank you, Mrs. Wheeler, for encouraging Kathleen in creative writing. She must have been quite the teacher for students to show up during their free period.
It’s great that you featured the young artists on your blog.
I love featuring their art. Look for Part II tomorrow.
These are wonderful! What a talented group of young people. Coming from a family of fiber artists, art has always been in my life in some shape or form. It has mended me in hard times and offered comfort in sad situations, uplifted me and delighted me when someone finds my “art” cool. My we all be able to find our art sweet spots in these difficult and challenging times.
Paula, thanks for sharing about your and your family’s background as fiber artists. I also appreciate your encouragement to all of us to find that sweet spot to get through these challenging times.
I can only hope there is a solution for the planet and the human race. This situation is not healthy for anyone.💙💛🙏☮️
Agreed.