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Cherish the Little Things children’s art show under way

Darian Warden
Hayden Short, 10, left, and his sister Ruby Short view the artwork at the Connections 4 Kids Cherish the Little Things Children's Art Show. Ruby's piece was chosen as one of twenty finalists in fifth grade and under chosen by a panel. Visitors to the show may vote by making a monetary donation to Connections 4 Kids.
Darian Warden

If you go...

What: Connections 4 Kids Cherish the Little Things Children's Art Show

When: 2-6 p.m. Today, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Center of Craig, 601 Yampa Ave.

Cost: Free, monetary donations required to vote on 20 finalists

Every artist has his or her own creative process when approaching a piece of work.

First grader Ruby Short methodically explained hers Thursday evening during the Connections 4 Kids annual Cherish the Little Things Children’s art show.

One of 20 finalists, Short explained how she created her final masterpiece, “The Owl,” out of construction paper, laboring over details such as creating the small beak of an owl and the shape and claws on the feet. Short said her creation took her about two days to complete.



“I like art because you can make your own creation,” Short said.

Short’s is just one of 307 pieces of art by 263 youth artists from preschool through high school featured in this year’s show.



Twenty pieces done by those in fifth grade and younger were chosen by a panel as finalists and will be voted on by anyone who makes a monetary donation to Connections 4 Kids

The show is the agency’s biggest fundraiser throughout the year, and all donations are used for the group’s programs.

The finalist with the most votes will be featured on the front of next year’s Connections 4 Kids calendar. The next 12 pieces in the voting order will be featured inside the calendar with the remaining seven in a tiled display.

Connections 4 Kids coordinator Michelle Balleck said the event was off to a great start. The agency hosted a preview night for sponsors and finalists and their families Wednesday before the show kicked off Thursday.

“We got really good feedback,” Balleck said.

Those attending are able to create art themselves by participating in the community art piece. Puzzle pieces are available to design and glue to a large board. Community members who attend can add their piece of puzzle to the greater picture.

This year also saw the introduction of art workshops for children. Balleck said classes were completely full.

Fourth grader Alexa Neton attended the art workshop Thursday with her sister Molly where they painted ceramic bowls.

“You can do it whatever way you want,” Alexa said about her favorite part of creating art.

The Cherish the Little Things show runs from 2-6 p.m. today and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday at the Center of Craig, 601 Yampa Ave.

Darian Warden can be reached at 875-1793 or dwarden@craigdailypress.com


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