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Chester County Press

Youthful dreams in the spotlight at the Arts Alliance

07/09/2018 09:04AM ● By J. Chambless

Students contributed their own painted panels to this cross.

Youthful dreams in the spotlight at the Arts Alliance


By John Chambless

Staff Writer


The important work being done by the Lighthouse Youth Center is recognized at the current exhibition at the Oxford Arts Alliance.

Students at the youth center were asked to create art to complete the phrase, “I will become...,” and the show presents their answers in drawings, collage and paintings. Their works, some left unsigned, have universal dreams both big and small, and speak of finding happiness and focusing on goals.

There's one paper filled with whimsical drawings of animals and a central self-portrait of their creator. “Cartoonist,” which is one of the life goals posted on the gallery walls, clearly applies to this young artist.

Elsewhere, you can see the students' love of animals, sunshine, sports and – since this is a faith-based center – religion and God. There's a cross made of individual popsicle-stick panels that shows a bright mix of themes – the Mexican flag, a woodland road, and more. There's also a spotlight on the works of Maliya Gandy, who uses a variety of media to express herself.

In terms of the future lives of these young people – whether they go on to be artists or not – this exhibition will make an impact. Being in an art show with their peers, and getting their moment of acclaim, will pay untold dividends in the years to come, no matter where their paths take them.

This show is precisely what makes the Arts Alliance such a vital part of the community.

“I Will Become” continues through Aug. 9 at the Oxford Arts Alliance (38 S. Third St., Oxford). Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.oxfordart.org.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email [email protected].