'INSPIRE' Art Show Will Highlight Work By Marin K-12 Art Teachers

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Though Youth in Arts is focused on showcasing children's art, once a year the gallery highlights work by K-12 teaching artists in a show called INSPIRE, which will run this year from Dec. 3 to Jan. 14.

INSPIRE poses the questions "What inspires teaching artists to create?," "How do they light the creative fire in their students?," and "How do they do both during a pandemic?," officials said in a news release.

The show will include nearly 30 drawings, paintings, photographs, prints, mixed media pieces and sculptures, all of which were created by teaching artists who work in Marin public and private schools.

The work ranges from small houses carved out of "book logs" to large, colorful abstract paintings, and officials said most of it will be for sale.

"We continue to be inspired by the beautiful works that Marin County's teaching artists submit for this annual exhibition," Development and Gallery Manager Morgan Schauffler said. "These are some of the best works we've seen, and they were created during an incredibly stressful time for educators. We are grateful to all of them for keeping creativity alive for themselves and their students during the isolation of the pandemic."

An artists' reception will take place on Dec. 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. Hot cider and cocoa will be served, and the event will coincide with the 2nd Friday Artwalk and the Business Improvement District's Sparkle & Cheer Event, officials said.

The show can be viewed at the gallery (917 C St.) during its operating hours — weekdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Participating artists are: Lauren Bartone, Amaera BayLaurel, Katy Bernheim, Molly Blauvelt, Cathy Bowman, Steven Huntley, Julia James, Suzanne Joyal, Jackie LaLanne, Jennifer Lipson, Katya McCulloch, Taylor Mancini, and Laurie Reemsnyder.