Exhibit, Which Opens April 30, Marks First Time ArtSmart Students\u2019 Work Has Been Shown in an Area Business<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n BETHLEHEM, PA\u2014For the first time ever, ArtsQuest\u2019s Banana Factory is partnering with a local business to showcase the works of the student artists in its award-winning ArtSmart program during the new \u201cArtSmart Juried Student Exhibition.\u201d The exhibit, which features two- and three-dimensional works created by Bethlehem Area School District students, will be on display at Merchants Bank, 2 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, from April 30-June 2. Students will also be honored during a special reception at the bank May 16, 5:30-6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Designed for middle and elementary school students, the ArtSmart after-school enrichment program – now in its 15th<\/sup> year – provides personalized, hands-on instruction in artforms like ceramics, painting, drawing, glassblowing, photography, mosaics, printmaking and fiber arts. Classes, which run for 10 weeks in both spring and fall, are led by professional Teaching Artists, with a focus on complementing what students are learning as part of their school curriculum.<\/p>\n Over the past two years, ArtsQuest has seen a 20-percent growth in its ArtSmart programs as a result of the support of Merchants Bank and other partners. Today, more than 500 students annually take part in the program, with ArtSmart programs now offered at both the Banana Factory and in six area elementary schools.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of ArtsQuest\u2019s primary areas of focus is providing unique educational experiences for our students, with a concentration on those individuals who often lack the resources to access high-quality art enrichment programs,\u201d says ArtsQuest Director of Education & Outreach Lisa Harms. \u201cThe student-to-teacher ratio in ArtSmart is kept at 10 to 1 to provide high-quality experiences for the students, as well as individualized instruction from the teachers.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile ArtSmart has always culminated with an exhibition at the Banana Factory or in the school, thanks to the support of Merchants Bank this will be the first time we\u2019ve been able to showcase the work of these talented young artists out in the community. Experiences like this encourage creativity and self-expression, build self-esteem and go a long way in developing important social and life skills.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to it being the first time ArtSmart students\u2019 works have been showcased in an area business, the \u201cArtSmart Juried Student Exhibition\u201d marks the first time Merchants has displayed the work of student artists in one of its branches.<\/p>\n \u201cMerchants Bank proudly supports many community programs throughout the Lehigh Valley area. We believe as a community bank, that our support and involvement in community programs like this is vital to the continuous improvement of the Lehigh Valley. The high quality\u00a0 programming that ArtSmart provides to students is critically important to their success in school and life. They provide the foundation that these students and the community need. We are pleased to partner with ArtsQuest and the ArtSmart program and look forward to showcasing the students\u2019 art,\u201d says Mark P. Jobes, Chief Banking Officer.<\/p>\n Information and image provided to TVL by: <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ArtSmart-Exhibition-2-3.jpg\")
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\nMark Demko, ArtsQuest
\nhttp:\/\/www.artsquest.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n
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