THE ARTS
Through the Boys & Girls Club of Venice Fine Arts program, Club members take away creative skills that help them in standardized test-taking, in their school work, as well as in providing a foundation for further art study should they choose to pursue it, through the experience of making art and being mentored by an adult who is a working art professional. Drawing, sketching, clay, crayon, watercolor, oil pastel, collage, diorama, pen and ink, and mixed media are covered during the year. Exhibitions are mounted quarterly and parents and community members attend.
Eduardo “Lalo” Marquez, our Art Director, is the primary mentor to many of our at risk young people. He is passionate about teaching how to use art as a means of expression as well as fostering the talent of those who have the ability to make visual arts a career.
Since working at the Boys & Girls Clubs, Lalo achieved a reputation for earning national honors. In the past 10 years, under his guidance, 14 members have earned top honors and national recognition in the Fine Arts Competition, sponsored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He is able to teach young learners to express themselves through canvas, mixed-mediums, photography, poetry, spoken word and instruments. Lalo, an honest, energetic and passionate advocate for the arts, motivates and supports young people to reach their artistic potential.
The artwork, along with other winners will be viewed by hundreds of conference delegates throughout the year. In addition, the image will be placed on www.bgca.org in our virtual gallery for future viewing.