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YMCA asks for art submissions
By Kalea Hall
From now until January, people are encouraged to bring in 5-by-5 square pieces of art to the Davis YMCA in Boardman.
In February, the artwork will be sold for $25 each, and all proceeds will go toward scholarships for children to participate in humanity programs the YMCA offers, such as art classes, language and guitar classes.
“It is just a nice way to get inclusion,” said Suzanne Gray, art coordinator at the YMCA. “Anybody can be an artist, and this is a way they can show off their work.”
The YMCA has various fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for children who may not be able to afford classes offered by the humanities department.
Gray goes to a New York showcase of postcard-sized artwork every year that raises money for HIV/AIDS research and thought she should bring the idea to the Y.
“The Y is really all about inclusion,” Gray said. “The YMCA wants people to be able to experience the Y and benefit from it. The only way that happens is with scholarships.”
Artists, nonartists, young and old are invited to submit up to four pieces of art to the fundraiser. All art is accepted, but it does need to be lightweight.
Gray said she already had submissions coming from well-known local artists and even distant artists from Thailand and Iran.
“It can really be more of a local or even regional fund raiser,” Gray said.
The art studio will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday for anyone wishing to make art at the YMCA and submit it for the event. Submissions can be turned in to the YMCA or mailed.
The last day to submit artwork is Jan. 19. The submissions will be displayed in February.
All of the artwork submitted will go in a photo montage, which will then be on display at the YMCA permanently.