Preschoolers’ art to be exhibited

The Laguna Beach Library will display art created by Boys & Girls Club’s Even Start Preschool children throughout the month of March.

The children and their families will be going to the library March 5 for the “official opening.”

The children will also be treated to a group reading and art activity led by librarian Rebecca Porter. The free exhibit is open to the public.

The works were created in concert with a Laguna Outreach Community Art-sponsored program in which more than 20 of the club’s preschoolers are led through weekly art activities by the organization’s art teachers, including teacher and coordinator Pat W. Phillips, Gayle Foley, Sharon Risley, Carol Swanson, Lee Cohen and Noel Lashley.

The children in the program are introduced to and given the opportunity to experiment with a variety of art materials, including painting, collage and clay.

Guided by local artists, this “hands-on” approach encourages the children to explore and expand their creative awareness and build self-confidence.

“I am so delighted with the LOCA program. The children have really blossomed in their creativity and art expression,” Even Start Director Terry Anne Barman said.

“It is a wonderful and unique opportunity for our little ones to exercise their creativity and have a chance so early on to be taught by such talented artists “” everybody involved benefits.”

The free preschool program is for 3- and 4-year-old children from qualifying low-income families.