Mayor Cathy Carlat and City Council celebrated 26 young artists from the Peoria Unified School District, spanning kindergarten to eighth grade, who participated in the 12th exhibition of the Mayor and Council’s Young Artists Program, May 4

“The city of Peoria is home to incredibly talented youth and it’s an honor to showcase their artistic creations at city hall,” Carlat said. “Art is truly the heart and soul of a community. By recognizing the creativity of our kids, we strengthen the powerful impact that comes from incorporating the arts into our lives.”

Believing that a city is not complete without the arts, Carlat created this ongoing program with PUSD in 2016 to engage students interested in the arts, while bringing attention to the value that art brings to a community. The current exhibition was on display in Peoria City Hall March 14-May 3. Students were honored with a certificate of recognition for their creative contributions, and the framing of their personal artwork.

The West Valley Art Museum selected one student’s art to have on continued display at the museum through July 2022. Katie Rosas, a fifth grader at Parkridge Elementary School, was awarded with this honor.

“Public art enriches the quality of life for residents, visitors, and businesses by creating spaces that invite contemplation, while evoking a sense of community,” said Marylou Stephens, Peoria’s Arts, Culture and Library Services Director. “Through a diverse and vibrant collection of public art, lively theater, and festival offerings, Peoria is proud to foster a strong arts culture.”

The WVAM is on the first floor of Peoria City Hall, located at 8401 W. Monroe St. The gallery is open free to the public on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, contact WVAM at 623-972-0635 or www.wvam.org. To experience art in Peoria, visit www.peoriaaz.gov/arts.