The Arts

These initiatives help young people enhance self-expression and creativity, develop multicultural appreciation, provide exposure to and develop skills in crafts and visual, performing and literary arts.

National Fine Arts Exhibit Program encourages creativity through a variety of media that is made up of local, regional and national exhibits. Young people are encouraged to create artwork in any of the following categories: monochromatic drawing, multicolored drawing, pastels, water color, oil or acrylic, print making, mixed media, collage and sculpture. The most outstanding works are sent on for regional judging; selected regional artwork goes on for national judging. Artwork selected by national judges is displayed at B&GCA's annual National Conference.

Art Club meets on a weekly basis. It is taught by a student volunteer from Iowa State University. Club members are exposed to many different types of art though this program. Finished projects are displayed throughout the Club for other members, parents, volunteers and visitors to see. Art Club teaches our members about arts and more importantly that anyone can be good at art. This program encourages members to think outside the box and try new things artisticly. Art Club allows members to be creative and personalize every project so in the end, each and every member can feel confident and proud of what they created.

We recognize the lasting impact that arts education can have on children's cognitive, social, and personal development. Arts activities have been shown to advance academic achievement and improve perceptions of self-worth while also providing creative outlets for children to develop into well-rounded and successful adults.

Every Club member is exposed to, and has the opportunity to engage in, a wide variety of arts-based activities, from music and dance to visual arts and creative writing. Our Club has space where members can express themselves and develop new skills and talents.