LJWorld.com / Adornment Show strives to deck your halls with art by youngsters

Archive for Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Andrew Padilla, a participant in Van Go Mobile Arts, paints furniture Thursday at the Van Go studio, 715 N.J. The annual Adornment Show, featuring artwork by youths in the Van Go program, opens with a reception at 7 p.m. Saturday.

By Jane Imber - Special to the Journal-World

November 20, 2007

Amid tulle, Christmas lights, tables and artwork, Lynne Green pushed a broom across the floor and paused to reflect for a moment on preparations for Adornment, Van Go Mobile Arts' annual holiday show and sale.

"It's like birthing a baby every year," says Green, Van Go's executive director.

Adornment is scheduled for 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday at Van Go, 715 N.J., in Lawrence.

Adornment features art created by Douglas County youths. Featured items are glassware, felted hats and purses, painted rugs, jewelry and mosaic pieces, from trivets to chairs.

"It's like a wonderland of art and paint," says Sadie Crumet, one of Van Go's youth artists. The energy is palpable.

"It seems pretty hectic right now," artist Andrew Padilla says. "Next week we'll be getting everything set up, and it's very exciting."

Van Go is a social service agency that provides job training for Douglas County youths between the ages of 14 and 21.

In addition to creating art, employees learn job skills such as the importance of being on time, notifying supervisors of absences, learning about paychecks and job evaluations, and teaming with others to complete projects. Adornment proceeds go back into Van Go's operating budget.

Green says this year's show features food, live music and an opportunity to meet the many teens responsible for the artwork. If you miss the party, Van Go's gallery will remain open with art for sale from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Dec. 23.

For more information, contact Van Go Mobile Arts at 842-3797.

Jane Imber is a fellow of the Citizen Journalism Academy, which is sponsored by The World Company and Kansas University's William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications.