INSIGHT OF YOUTH
EXHIBITION & AUCTION FOR THE ARTS

OPENING RECEPTION   Saturday, May 7, 5-8PM
EXHIBITION RUNS   May 7 - 21, 2022

ARTISTS   Alma Azócar Agurto, Sophie Broderick, Nick Butterfield, Espi Concepcion, Jake Gonzales, Natasha, Sydnie, Karleigh Wissel

Insight of Youth Exhibition and Auction for the Arts is an initiative of ISucceed Virtual High School / Nampa High School  senior Jake Gonzales (16 YRS). His goal is to show people what kids are feeling and experiencing through the expression of art. The exhibition feature the work of 8 talented 12 -18 year old artists who have created original artwork in response to the theme ‘What Kids Have Endured During Covid-19’. Exhibited artwork will be sold through silent auction, with half of the proceeds being donated to the grass roots effort Empty Bowls and half supporting participating artists. 

Exhibited artworks were selected by Ryan Wise (Artist & Nampa High School Art Teacher), Bill Lewis (Artist & Nampa High School Art Teacher), Christina Wilkins (Artist & Nampa High School Art Teacher), Kristen Cooper (Artist & MING Studios Artistic Director), & Jake Gonzales (Project Creator, Artist & ISucceed Virtual High School Class of 2022).

In February, Jake reached out to MING Studios with a specific vision for the project. He was equipped with the event title, theme, and drafts of event flyers. In conversation, Jake also gave firsthand perspective into issues affecting teens today. The potential and purpose of the proposed event was evident to MING Studios Artistic Director, Kristen Cooper, who extended the program and has since mentored Jake through the content, concept, and logistics of such an event. As the project lead, Jake produced all of the event’s promotional content and material, established an auction format, chosen a charitable beneficiary of auction proceeds, organized the artwork review committee, and prepared the details and happenings of the opening event and exhibition.
 
The exhibition opening and start of the auction will take place on Saturday, May 7th. At the event, MING Studios will announce the adoption of Insight of Youth into its regular programming and name Jake Gonzales as the Insight of Youth Program Producer. The Insight of Youth program will provide teen artists the opportunity to conceptualize and realize an exhibition with a theme of their choice, that is relevant to Treasure Valley teens. Jake and MING Studios’ team will mentor the next young artist exhibition organizer throughout the production of the event.

The exhibition will be on view at MING Studios through Saturday, May 21st. MING Studios invites school classes to schedule an appointment to visit the exhibition by emailing kristen@mingstudios.org.