The 4th Annual Children’s Resource Center Art Show will be a sweet event with a Candy Land theme.
On Monday, Aug. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m., the public is invited to the art show that celebrates the work of the youth involved in CRC’s summer programs. In addition to hundreds of pieces of artwork with a tie-in to the Candy Land game, there will be a variety of family activities, a photo booth in King Kandy’s castle, a Candy Land movie to watch, and snow cones and popcorn to enjoy.
Mackenzie Kneessi, day treatment provider and art show coordinator, hinted that guests might be on the lookout for Princess Lolly and King Kandy art or other references to Candy Land throughout the space.
The art show was implemented four years ago when CRC staff realized, “The kids do great with the art, and we have so much art sitting around the classrooms,” Kneessi said. “We figured the parents, families and community would love to see the kids’ art.”
The youth are so proud to show their work, and they also love to be a part of setting up the gym on the art show day, Kneessi said. They help hang decorations, and the older youth set up the big props, like the castle.
During the summer programs, CRC staff use art as a great tool for all ages.
“We are working with kids from 6 or 7 to 18-year-olds. Sometimes it’s hard to get them to engage. Having art as an outlet for them is really important,” she said. “We might give them an idea of what we want them to do. Our little prompts might be coping skills that they use or something that they do when things aren’t going their way.”
Through the art, the students and staff reflect on the positives and focus on being mindful and trusting the process.
“We like to give them as much autonomy over their show as possible, because it is all about them and putting on something they can be proud of to show their family,” Kneessi said.
She enjoys seeing the families come in all dressed up and the kids are running around with the biggest smiles on their faces, so proud to be showing off their work.
The event is inclusive, providing something for everybody to do, look at or participate in.
“Our goal is to make it a family event and something that they can spend a good chunk of time together with because we want them to have family time, something fun and free to do,” she said.
“It’s important to remember that although this is a really fun event, the meaning behind it is to remember that mental health services are so important. They matter and are vital for our community,” she added. “It’s a different side of mental health; it’s more expressive. Mental health is one of those hidden things. But when it’s down on paper or in the form of art, people can see it and realize that it does matter.”
CRC is located at 1045 Klotz Road. For more information about the event, click here.
