Young artists brighten local park
Drexel H. Foundation’s 10th annual Art in the Park on Flag Day event rewards artistic children
By Sandijean Fuson
Special to the Argus Observer
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:03 AM PDT
| |
| Children gathered to re-paint the equipment at Wadleigh Park in Vale for Drexel H. Foundation’s annual Art in the Park on Flag Day, June 14. |
VALE ” More than 20 participants took part in Drexel H. Foundation’s annual Art in the Park on Flag Day, June 14 at Wadleigh Park in Vale.
For the 10th consecutive year, the park equipment received a brand new coat of paint, and the participants had the chance to win savings bonds in a mini-mural painting competition.
Participants included Sam McLaughlin, Devin Smith, Ryley Haynes, Clayton Smith, Remie Haynes, Jessica Fuson, Danny Perkins, Caleb Arritola, Andrew McLaughlin and Darin Smith. Adult volunteers included Devan Noblit, Angela Smith, Jay Fuson, Deanna Perkins, George Fuson, Ron Smith, Connie Fuson, Sandijean Fuson, Kathy Kenny and Mike McLaughlin.
Darin Smith was the first-place winner for ages 4 to 8, Remie Haynes was the winner of the 9- to 11-year-old category, and Caleb Arritola won the 12 and older division. These winners received $50 savings bonds.
Jessica Fuson was the winner of the overall Best of Show and earned the grand prize $100 savings bond. The winning pieces included landscapes, sheep in the fields, abstract splatter painting and a creative flower design.
The donations by local volunteers made it possible to reward each child with treats, a free swim, free refreshments and a prize.
“We appreciate the volunteers and grant support for the several art programs we have for the youth of this area. The Art in the Park on Flag Day program makes it possible to teach children about community service and patriotism,” Drexel H. Foundation President Sandijean Fuson said in a press release. “The immediate tangible result is the building of self-esteem through the visual arts for our local youth.”
This project was funded in part with assistance from the Oregon Cultural Trust through the Malheur County Cultural Coalition Committee and the Ward Family Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation. This project was also supported in part by a grant from the Oregon Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Upcoming Drexel events include the “August Art Camp,” Aug. 10 through Aug. 13; the annual talent show, Aug. 13; and the Children’s Film Festival and film competition, Sept. 2 through Sept. 5.
The foundation’s Teen Film Project is also an ongoing program throughout the summer. For more information, contact the Drexel H. Foundation, (541) 473-3470.
