San Rafael Exhibit Showcases Youth Art Collaboration Amid COVID

SAN RAFAEL, CA – Collaborating on art projects amid a pandemic presented unique challenges.

The Marin Youth in Arts Gallery is showcasing the accomplishments of those who found a way to make it work.

A newly unveiled exhibition, “WORKING TOGETHER: Celebrating Collaboration in the art room,” features collaborative artworks from Youth in Arts’ fall visual arts residencies in Marin and West Contra Costa counties.

The YIA Gallery exhibit includes paintings on handmade paper, collage, texture quilts, prints and paper sculpture.

Collaborating in the art room means making group decisions. It also supports students in practicing social emotional learning as they explore using different art tools and responding to each other, Development and Gallery Manager Morgan Schauffler said.

“The incredible use of color and uninhibited mark-making in this show is such a joy to behold,” Schauffler said, “and it clearly exemplifies why artistic expression is so important for our students – especially right now.”

Participating schools include: Bahia Vista Elementary, Coleman Elementary, Compass Academy, San Pedro Elementary and Verde K-8 school.

The YIA Gallery (917 C St.) is open weekdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is always free.

The show runs through March 11.

Youth in Arts is an arts education nonprofit that has served more than a million children since it was founded 50 years ago.

Its mission is to support creativity, confidence and compassion with customized programs in visual art, music, theater and dance that are designed to reach all learners of all abilities.