Van Go’s Youth Artists Celebrate the Spirit of the Season with Adornment Show

Van Go’s youth artists kicked off their annual Adornment holiday art show and sale, a cherished tradition spanning over two decades. This year, 20 young apprentices displayed over 2,000 pieces of art, promoting teamwork and community spirit. The artwork, on sale throughout the holiday season, supports the nonprofit’s programs and provides valuable job experiences for the youth.

The young artists from Van Go ushered in the holiday spirit with their annual Adornment art show and sale on Saturday evening. This cherished tradition, which has been a hallmark of the nonprofit for over twenty years, features the creations of apprentice artists—20 talented teens aged 14 to 18. As Executive Director Lori McSorley aptly put it, “At Van Go, what you see is art, but what we do is jobs.”

Following an engaging program and a lively countdown, attendees immersed themselves in a plethora of art for sale, including ornaments and magnets. A staggering total of over 2,000 art pieces adorned the gallery located at 715 New Jersey St. in East Lawrence, with the artists having prepared tirelessly since early fall to meet their deadlines. “Getting finished with my art was a big thing,” shared 17-year-old apprentice artist Christian McSorley.

For many apprentice artists, this year’s event provided a unique opportunity for teamwork and connection. “We had to combine to make a project together,” expressed 15-year-old Layla Green, emphasizing how the stress of collaboration enhanced the importance of their art. Christian further highlighted the community spirit fostered by Adornment: “What’s special is all the different people from all different backgrounds and walks of life that get to come here and make art.”

The Adornment art will be on sale throughout the holiday season, with weekday gallery hours from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, from Dec. 3 to Dec. 19. Special weekend hours include:
– 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
– 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
– 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15

For year-round shopping, Van Go’s online store is available at shop-van-go.myshopify.com, with new items launching on Dec. 2. All profits from the artwork directly support Van Go’s programming. For more details, visitors can check van-go.org.

Van Go is a nonprofit organization focused on providing employment and artistic opportunities for youth. The annual Adornment art show has become a beloved holiday tradition, offering young artists a platform to showcase and sell their creative work while fostering a sense of community. This event not only helps in financial empowerment but also emphasizes collaboration among the apprentice artists, enhancing both their skills and experiences in a nurturing environment.

The Adornment annual art show serves as a vibrant celebration of youth creativity, community, and collaboration. The event not only highlights the talents of young artists but also brings together diverse individuals to appreciate their work. All proceeds support Van Go’s ongoing programs, ensuring the cycle of art and job creation continues to thrive throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Original Source: lawrencekstimes.com