The Children & Youth Gallery at Pam Miller Downtown Art Center is a space to highlight young artists in the community. This includes exhibits with different arts groups, schools, and programs teaching art to kids.
Current Show
The World Art Camp
Presented by Project Ricochet, Urban Art Collective
Nov. 5 – Jan. 4, 2025
Gallery Hop: Nov. 15
The “Hairitage” Exhibit, presented by Project Ricochet’s World Art Camp facilitated by The Urban Art Collective, will be on display at the Children’s Youth Gallery (CYG) in the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center in Lexington, Kentucky, from November through December 2024. This dynamic and vibrant exhibit celebrates the beauty, diversity, and resilience embedded in cultural identity and self-expression, focusing on hair as a symbol of “Hairitage’ and pride.
Designed by Urban Art Collective artist, Antoinette Rodriguez, the exhibit brings together a series of canvases created by children at the 2024 Roots and Heritage Festival. Their artwork weaves together personal stories of heritage through the lens of natural hair. Each canvas is a reflection of identity, with bold, hand-painted handprints adorned with unique hairstyles to symbolize “The Crown”, the representation of pride in one’s roots, community, culture, and natural beauty. In addition to viewing the artwork, visitors can engage in interactive experiences during the Art Hop on November 15, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Participants attending the event will be invited to create their own heritage-inspired artwork, contributing to the exhibit with their creativity and personal stories of family, culture, and individuality. These activities are designed to empower young participants by connecting them to their cultural heritage, building confidence, and promoting self-expression through art.
The “Hairitage” Exhibit honors the legacy of communities coming together to uplift one another and embraces the power of art to celebrate individual identity while fostering unity and pride. Join us in this artistic journey of self-discovery and community at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, where every piece or art tells a story of heritage. We will also welcome Mr. Lafe Taylor the author of Project Ricochet’s Star Power. The first 25 participants will receive a free signed copy of the book! Star Power: The Ricochet Squad Promotes Confidence Through Positive Self-Talk and Affirmations. This book is an inspiring resource for young readers that teaches the power of positive thinking.
Project Ricochet’s arts programs are supported by The Kentucky Arts Council, LexArts, The Living Arts and Science Center, Partners For Youth, Fayette County Public Schools, and WUKY. For more information, visit projectricochet.org
