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| Brighter Choice students paint in the gallery-- Photo by Michael Wagner |
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| Students are recognized for their work-- Photo by Michael Wagner |
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| Students at work--Photo by Michael Wagner |
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| The completed paintings--Photo by Michael Wagner |
To celebrate Youth Arts month, Tony Iadicicco, Executive Director for the Albany Center Gallery visited the local charter school March 19 and 20 and lead an art lesson for 7th and 8th grade students. "I brought in 12 canvases, paints, brushes and they worked together on the paintings," he said. This collaborative approach to art offered a great outlet for the students, but it also encouraged problem solving and teamwork. "I started a piece, and they worked with me, and then I also helped them on some of their pieces," Iadicicco says. Art creates a shared space for collaboration, exchanging ideas, and personal expression, and that can have a far-reaching impact for students, he says. "It did for me."
The next day, the students came to the gallery downtown to continue their work. Gallery members watched as the students worked, and when their paintings were completed they were put on display for everyone to admire. The night finished with an awards ceremony, where the students were made official members of the gallery--the youngest members of the growing roster, Iadicicco adds.
The students will also go on to show their work at Art on Lark in June, something Iadicicco hopes will inspire them to continue their painting over the summer, when school is out and some may be at loose ends. "It's something for them to look forward to," he says.
Iadicicco says the event, which was the first during his tenure as director was a great time for all involved. "Their teachers said they were still glowing the next day," he says.
Albany Center Gallery is located 39 Columbia Street in Albany. The students work will be on display for the remainder of the month.
