Art motivates young students to Stay in Downey

The Oldest McDonald’s, Columbia Memorial Space Museum, Downey High School and In-N-Out were featured in several of the 32 art pieces by fourth and fifth graders at a one night art exhibition and fundraiser hosted by Stay Gallery for Carpenter Elementary Student Art Night on Thursday evening in Downey, Calif. attended by more than 75 students, parents and community members at Downey’s newest art gallery.

Lexi Alvarenga, fourth grader at Carpenter Elementary School took Best in Show award for her inspired piece about exploring the city and why she plans on “staying” in Downey. Three students were given awards and gift certificates for their art pieces.

The collection of works featured favorite places, places of interests, unique features and community activities that students are involved with in Downey and also why the students’ plans on staying in Downey.

The gallery exhibition was a fundraiser as well for the art programs at Carpenter Elementary School. Each art piece was available for sale for $20 during the event. All proceeds from the sales go directly back to the art program at the school to buy art supplies and equipment.

According to a National Survey by Common Core and the Farkas Duffett Research Group, that surveyed a group of teachers about the narrowing of curriculum in schools, most teachers said that, “51 percent of students are learning less about arts over the past 10 years.” The report also found that most of the narrowing curriculum was found in elementary schools.

Stay Gallery plans on continuing partnerships with schools, community members and local artists to engage students in the arts both inside and outside the classrooms.

The gallery is hosting an upcoming photography show featuring the two local high schools photography students on Thursday, June 13.

The gallery opened in 2012 and is funded by the set aside “Art in Public Places” fund through the city and the space for the gallery is leased and paid for by the fund. The Downey Art Vibe operates the community gallery.

Stay Gallery is located at 11140 Downey Ave. Downey, CA 90241.
It is near the cross streets Downey Avenue and Firestone Boulevard.

For more information on Stay Gallery

Stay Gallery Carpenter Elementary Student Art Night from Alicia Edquist on Vimeo.