Boys & Girls Clubs of America Selects Top Young Artists from Across The Country

Boys & Girls Club of America
Thursday, 25 May 2000

Atlanta, GA (May 25, 2000) - Forty-four young artists from some 900 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country have been named winners in this year's Fine Arts Exhibition sponsored by L'Oréal Kids.

These forty-four winners were chosen from over 350 finalists vying for top honors in four age categories and across 11 different disciplines, including monochromatic drawing; multicolored drawing; pastel; watercolor; oil/acrylic; print making; mixed media; collage; sculpture; seasonal and fish/marine life. The judging for the National Fine Arts Exhibition winners took place recently in New York at the Studio Museum of Harlem.

This year's prestigious judging panel included: Pedra Chaffers, Studio Museum of Harlem; Stephanie Levine, Golden Books Publishing; Alicia Dorn, Scholastic Publishing; Gloria T. Cones, Brooklyn Children's Museum, along with Michael A. Trese, Ellen Gavin and Jill Odel, all from L'Oréal. "Through this exemplary program, young people are given the invaluable opportunity to learn about the visual arts, themselves, and the world," noted judge Pedra Chaffers, Acting Director of Education for The Studio Museum in Harlem.

Sponsored by L'Oréal Kids for the third consecutive year, B&GCA's Fine Arts Program is a comprehensive initiative promoting creativity in a variety of media as well as encouraging artistic skills and cultural enrichment.

The award-winning artwork produced by Club members made its official debut during Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 94th National Conference held in New Orleans, May 16 – 19. In addition, the artwork will be mounted for a touring exhibition traveling through the United States, Europe and Asia for one year.

The winning artists will also receive an engraved plaque and a letter of congratulations from B&GCA's President, Roxanne Spillett. Other regional selections will receive a national finalists certificate of participation.

"We are most fortunate to have such a high-profile brand as L'Oréal Kids underwrite this fine arts program," said Spillett. "L'Oréal's support will enable our members to pursue their artistic talents and develop creative thinking that will last a lifetime." "Boys & Girls Clubs of America and L'Oréal Kids share a similar goal -- helping to build kids' self-esteem," said Carol J. Hamilton, deputy general manager of L'Oréal. "Through our support of the Fine Arts Program, L'Oréal Kids gives kids the opportunity to grown and gain confidence through creative expression. Because kids are worth it, too."

Boys & Girls Clubs of America comprises a national network of 2,600 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving some 3.3 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," Clubs provide guidance-oriented programs on a daily basis for children 6 – 18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key programs emphasize character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, the arts, and sports, fitness and recreation. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

L'Oréal, the world's largest beauty company, is committed to helping women, children and families through its many charitable initiatives. L'Oréal Kids is proud to be a partner of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the sponsor of the National Fine Arts Program and Exhibit. L'Oréal Kids is a unique line of fun, fruity-scented, fish-shaped grooming products. L'Oréal's website is www.lorealparisusa.com.

For more information, or to contact Boys & Girls Club of America, see their website at: www.bgca.org