Alameda County, Libraries Celebrating the Arts This Month

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors has recognized March as Art IS Education month, celebrating youth arts education throughout the County. This is the 6th year that the Alameda County Library has partnered with the Alameda County Arts Commission to present free arts events to over 140,000 community members at 12 Library locations across the County.

“I am pleased to recognize this program that highlights the many aspects of art and its benefits to students and families during the month of March,” said Board President Scott Haggerty. “This year’s theme, ‘Creating Solutions,’ encourages youth, families and communities to connect, inspire, and make positive change in their communities through the arts.”

A special series of 300 free arts events for youth and families are underway, including a wide range workshops, performances, exhibitions, and storytime activities. Workshops offer hands-on instruction for a broad range of art forms, including origami, jewelry, puppetry, knitting, watercolor painting, and digital photography. Performances include poetry nights, sing-alongs, and dance and music concerts. All events are free and open to the public. More information at www.aclibrary.org.

In honor of Art IS Education, the Alameda County Arts Commission will present the Youth Art Exhibition inspired by the theme “Creating Solutions” at the County Administration Building as part of the Art In Public Spaces program. The exhibition features colorful cloth and paper quilts made by youth and seniors working together on intergenerational projects led by teaching artist Ellen Oppenheimer. The exhibition also includes the entries to the Annual Union City Recycling Art Contest which encourages youth to create an artwork that inspires a healthy environment. The exhibit is on display on the first and fifth floors of the Alameda County Administration Building at 1221 Oak St., Oakland, until May 26.