The Neill James
Children's
Art Program
Creating Generations of Artists
E-mail: ChildrensArt@lakechapalasociety.org
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Photos, clockwise from top left: Norma_Luz_Robledo, First Place; Second Place Winner Adan Flores; with his mother (left), and Nancy Creevan, LCS President; and Victor Romero, Second Place Winner, with his parents. Presentations were made at the July 26, 2008 Fiesta at LCS.
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The art program was started by American philanthropist/writer Neill James in 1956. Her program featured art classes five days a week with a paid art teacher. Talented students received scholarships to study art and many became professional artists, art teachers, and gallery owners in Mexico and abroad. The concentration of artists produced through her program attracted other artists, making Ajijic one of Mexico’s recognized art centers.
Today’s Children’s Art Program continues to thrive through the generosity of LCS and the work of a group of talented Mexican, American and Canadian volunteers. Visit the art class on Saturdays from 10 am to Noon on the back patio at LCS. The artwork is generally for sale directly from the children and you can find some real treasures! The program is free and all children (and visitors and volunteers) are welcome.
The program receives a small allocation from LCS and depends primarily on donations of time, talent, materials, and funds from residents and visitors. Many volunteers are members of the ASA (Ajijic Society for the Arts), which is another long-time supporter of the program. Children learn the business of art through sales of their work and earn recognition through exhibits mounted at LCS and other local venues.
LCS recognizes talented young artists each year at the July LCS Fiesta through certificates of achievement and purchase awards. In August, 2007 more than 120 paintings from the historic collection of Ajijic children’s art dating back to the 1950’s was featured in a retrospective exhibit, Village Life 1956-2007. See the 2008 art winners (above).
To learn how to become active helping these young students (either from Mexico or elsewhere), please contact childrensart@lakechapalasociety.org. Your interest is very much welcomed.