Pop-up exhibit features young Genesee County artists

With more than 1,000 works on display, it is likely the largest temporary art exhibit in Genesee County—and it is this week only. 

This exhibit gives a spectacular look at the artistry of young people in Genesee County, who have been inspired throughout the year by learning each month about artistic giants including Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso and Dale Chihuly as part of the YouthQuest Program. 

This year’s theme is “Meet the Masters” and runs 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 18 through Thursday, April 20, 2017, at Diplomat Corporate Headquarters, 4100 Saginaw St. in Flint. Admission is free. 

YouthQuest is an afterschool and summer enrichment program that serves more than 2,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade in Genesee County. It is operated by the Flint and Genesee Chamber of Commerce. 

The art exhibition and related activities, called ArtQuest, is just one segment of YouthQuest programming, which also focuses on academic support, nutrition, physical fitness, youth development, and leadership. 

“If we want to foster creativity, critical thinking and inventiveness among our children and teens, then teaching the arts is a must,” said LaKeitha Givens, Program Director for YouthQuest. “Considering the important role art has on a child’s development, we are committed to providing students with quality, hands-on art projects, music lessons and clubs that promote dance and other enrichment activities.”

The annual show will also host more than 1,500 Genesee County students who will come see their peers’ creations as well as live performances of African drumming and violin as well as live demonstrations by local artistic greats such as Jordan Barnett, Kate Costea, Ryan Gregory and Lavarne Ross.