Works of young artists on display at new clubhouse

Artwork from 100 members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada will be shown from 3-6 p.m. today at the new clubhouse, 1870 Russell Way.

The competition and exhibit are part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's National Fine Arts Exhibit, a program to promote young people's creativity and encourage artistic skills and cultural enrichment.

"The kids have been really, really excited about this," said Kristi Murkovich, new art director for the local club. "We have art classes twice a week and they line up to get into the room."

The public is encouraged to attend and see the creative artwork the students are producing, as well as the new clubhouse that opened in early fall. The club provides programs for 1,750 boys and girls in the area.

The Fine Arts Exhibit includes work by children ages 6-16. Nationwide, the works are divided into 10 categories and four age divisions, although the local club does not have works in all categories.

Ten winners of the Carson City exhibit will go on to regional exhibits, with a limited number being accepted to compete at the national level at the club's headquarters in Atlanta. Thirty-seven national winners will be named and their artwork displayed at special events throughout the year.

Winning artists will receive an engraved plaque and letter of congratulations from national B&G President Roxanne Spillett. Regional finalists will receive a certificate of participation.

Murkovich is new to the Carson City Boys & Girls program and has been working on expanding the students' exposure to art. She is also looking forward to adding even more programs this year, such as pottery and printing, as she finds volunteers experienced in those media.

"Right now, we're limited by my experience," she said.

The move to the new clubhouse along with the generosity of the community.has helped the program expand.

"I'm just amazed," Murkovich said. "We're really blessed. The resources from donations are just fantastic."