Twentieth Annual Exhibit Celebrates Area’s Youngest Artists

Poughkeepsie, NY (March 23, 2005) — More than 300 artworks by local intermediate, elementary and nursery school-aged children will be honored in Vassar College's 20th annual John Iyoya Children's Art Show, "A Celebration of Children's Art," to be shown April 9 through April 16 in the campus' James W. Palmer Gallery.

Through "A Celebration of Children's Art," Vassar spotlights the blossoming interest of young children's in the visual arts, and demonstrates the indispensable role that the arts play in their self-expression. The exhibit's namesake was a former Vassar student known for his creativity and love of children.

The 2005 Iyoya art show will include student pieces from the Joseph D'Aquanni West Road Intermediate School, Traver Road Primary School, Noxon Road Elementary School, Overlook Primary School, LaGrange Elementary School, Vail Farm Elementary School, Titusville Elementary School, Arthur S. May Elementary School, G.W. Krieger Elementary School, Warring School, and the Wimpfheimer Nursery School of Vassar College. Eleven art instructors contribute to the show's production, including the mounting, transporting, and hanging of pieces.

"There aren't many chances for kids to exhibit their work, so it's an honor for them," says Bill Sterling, who teaches art at the Warring School in Poughkeepsie, and has been involved with the project for four years. "It's very professionally presented. It's like a party. That's something that kids are not aware of - this celebration of their work. It's taken for granted when you're older, but when you're young it's special to have your family come to admire your work."

The John Iyoya Children's Art Show is sponsored by the Department of Education at Vassar College, in cooperation with the Office of Campus Activities. For additional information, please contact Linda Cantor, visiting instructor in education, at (845) 437-7365. Warring School art teacher Bill Sterling can be reached at (845) 451-4750.

The James W. Palmer Gallery is located in the College Center on the Vassar campus. For gallery hours, or to arrange accommodations for people with disabilities, call (845) 437-5370. Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2005.