Kidz Create—Issues that Matter, an exhibit designed by and for the school age “Kid,” opens Sunday,February 24 with a special reception at the Jordan River Arts Center, 301 Main St., East Jordan. Awards will be presented a 2:30 pm. The objective of the project is to expand and enhance the art experience of the school age student and at the same time help create an awareness of problems the students may face now and in the future.

Fourteen schools in the JRAC service area were invited to participate. Several schools groups, excited about the concept, choose to participate. They are Beaver Island Elementary, Bellaire High School, Boyne Falls School, Charlevoix Middle School, Ellsworth High School and Elementary, and East Jordan High, Middle and Fourth grade. Teachers and students decided their own issue that will enhance their own curriculum making the project more personal. The subject matters are as diverse as the techniques and materials used to express their issue, including computer generated work and creative writing. Students worked individually, in small groups aa class or the entire school.

Adult experts went to the school to help with the projects. Paul King, architect from Poineau Woodworkers, Inc. visited Ellsworth elementary school to discuss architecture as this group choose “green” shelters for their issue. Nancy Cunningham, director for the Boyne River Project, discussed area invasive species with the fourth grade at East Jordan, and Joey Haderer , silk artist, helped the Charlevoix middle school studentstaught by Caroline Smith develop a project of animals threatened by environmental issues as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. John Stevens and Jane Diller, project directors, traveled to the schools to aid students explore ideas, techniques, and materials. Some of the other issues chosen are: recycling, peace, healthy foods, nature first, Great Lakes water, and political issues.

This project has been made possible , being fully funded, by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation and the Bay Harbor Foundation. The exhibit will be open daily from 1-4 pm and runs through March 21. School groups are encouraged to come to the art center for exploration of the exhibit and a hands on experience. Adult groups are also invited and other times can be arranged by calling Jane Diller, 582 6399.