The Malibu Art Association has an altruistic idea to help the young of our community to find ways to express their emotions and frustration other than violence and graffiti. Statistics show that when they are exposed to and participate in any of the arts, they tend to get out of gangs and begin to function in a positive instead of negative fashion. Whether playing a musical instrument, participating in some form of dance, poetry or prose writing, or in any of the visual arts, they begin to have feelings of productivity, a sense of self worth. And so our aim is to educate all ages in the community to the value, indeed the necessity, of the arts in our lives.
Thus the MAA is opening a Junior Division for young people ages 12 to18. These young members are invited to nine monthly meetings a year where we have a 2 hour demonstration by a well-known artist in various mediums. The meetings are held from 7-9 on the third Thursday of each month at the auditorium of the Point Dume Elementary School. We feel this will be a rare opportunity for young people interested in the arts to be exposed to more art education than the public schools can afford.
Additionally these young members will be given the opportunity to exhibit their artwork in some of our shows. Our Annual All-Member Show will be on Saturday, October 6, at the Civic Center in Malibu, from 10 till 5 p.m. This is a professionally judged show for the adult members, where ribbons are awarded. The Young People’s Division will be judged separately by one of our members, and also will receive ribbons. This year’s show is the biggest yet, as we will now have a dance floor where members of local schools will perform during the day, as well as the “Poet’s and Musician’s Place,” for poetry readings and musical performances. And there will be “Japanese Fish Printing” for all ages to do. This Show is truly a “Celebration of All of the Arts.”
Also there will again be “Clothesline Art,” work by elementary school students, coordinated by art teacher Sage Laskin. These works will not be for sale, nor awarded ribbons, but exhibited for the pleasure of having the very young take pride in having their works shown in public.
Meanwhile, the MAA is inviting all ages to participate in the Sidewalk Painting Contest at the upcoming Point Dume Resident’s Association Block Party, on Oct. 23 at the Point Dume Elementary School… Four-by-six foot spaces will be allotted to children, teens and adults working side-by-side making pastel paintings on a macadam section of the playground. Prizes will be awarded in each age category. Pastels and chalks will be furnished to all entrants. There are only 54 spaces available, so “first come, first served.” You come and participate with your children too!
We need the help of you parents to encourage your children to join us in these opportunities to get involved in the arts. To join the Junior Division, please call me ASAP at (310)589-6048 with your address and I will send a membership application
Jean Stephenson, President
Malibu Art Association