Twenty-First Annual Iyoya Exhibit Will Celebrate Area’s Youngest Artists. March 25 - April 1, 2006

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — More than 350 artworks by local intermediate, elementary, and nursery school students will be on display in Vassar College's 21st annual John Iyoya Children's Art Show, "A Celebration of Children's Art," to be shown Saturday, March 25 through Saturday, April 1 in the 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 Vassar exhibit offers children the opportunity to be recognized as artists by their peers, the college community and the public," said Yvonne Alexander, an art teacher at Traver Road Primary School in Pleasant Valley. "It gives value to children's art in a world where children are often undervalued and it helps to motivate children to consider the arts as a possible career choice."

The 2006 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, Columbus School, Warring Magnet Academy, Hagan Elementary 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.

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. For gallery hours, or to arrange accommodations for people with disabilities, call the Office of Campus Activities at (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 Friday, March 10th, 2006.