SIMI VALLEY : Kids’ Art Exhibit Opens at Library

Gayle Wilson, wife of Gov. Pete Wilson, was among the dignitaries who attended a reception Wednesday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library to mark the opening of an exhibit of paintings created by children with disabilities.

The 80 paintings, produced by California children in kindergarten through 12th grade, are based on the theme of “Life in the White House.” The works tie in with the 200th anniversary of the White House, which is being celebrated this year.

The students were involved in the Very Special Arts program, an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The program, founded in 1974 by Jean Kennedy Smith, is aimed at enriching the lives of disabled people through the arts.

Ann Bethel, curator of the Reagan library’s museum, said the paintings were made after youngsters studied the history of the White House.

“They’ve chosen a wide variety of topics,” she said. “Some have done Fourth of July celebrations with the Washington Monument in the background. Some have used historical themes, such as the burning of the White House during the War of 1812. Also, there’s one that shows sheep grazing on the south lawn.”

Bethel said the children’s paintings, which will be on view through Oct. 26, will lead into the opening of a new exhibit in November focusing on the construction of the White House.