The Vision 2024 Art annual art competition and exhibit is offered to high school students throughout southwest Oregon. It is hosted by the Coos Art Museum and sponsored in part by Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation and Art Department.
According to SWOCC Foundation Executive Director Elise Hamner, “The goal of VISION 2024 is to inspire young people to participate in the arts, celebrate their creations and showcase their work to the community through the exhibit.”
Every year Call to Artist invitations are sent to six southern Oregon counties to request art from high school students in grades 9 – 12. Not only will students have the opportunity to submit their art to a juried show in an art museum, but if selected, the three top winners will receive two-year tuition scholarships within the SWOCC Fine Art Program. “For some [students] the idea of a full tuition waiver is a dream,” said North Bend High School Art teacher, Becky Eddy. “The experience of exhibiting at the museum, having friends and parents see their work, the nervousness of having [their art] judged, all contribute to a higher self-esteem and worth and [all participants] walk away having a new experience that is positive.”
The Bay Area Artists’ Association also provides an “Up and Comer Artist” award to one Vision participant, which includes a year's membership to their association (offering multiple community art exhibit opportunities), paid membership to the Coos Art Museum, plus a $100 cash gift to use for art supplies. All of this effort is to build a strong support system for the students in our area who want to pursue art in their future.
The theme of supporting the development and esteem of the young art community goes hand in hand with SWOCC Art Director, James Fritz’s mission when coordinating the event. “SWOCC has always been devoted to the idea of building bridges between the college, Coos Art Museum and the community, which in this case is our high school students and their families. We are all working together to support them throughout their artistic development... They have the support of their high school, Southwestern Community College after graduation, the Coos Art Museum as art professionals, and the Bay Area Artists’ Association as they become adults.”
In its thirty-year history, the Visions show has displayed the art of thousands of our southern Oregon youth. Join us in celebrating the next generation of artists by taking the time to see this special exhibit.
Submitted by Nicole Graham, Perspective Editor
Donations:
Coos Art Museum
https://coos-art-museum.square.site/
SWOCC Foundation Art Scholarships
https://www.socc.edu/give
(Both organizations are 501(c)3 Nonprofits)
The Visions Exhibit at the Coos Art Museum
235 Anderson, Coos Bay, OR 97420
Feb 23rd – April 14th, 2024
Awards Ceremony:
Friday, Feb 23rd at 3:30pm
Museum Hours:
Closed Mondays
Tues-Fri 11am – 4pm
Sat and Sunday 1-4pm