Rosemont Middle School Art Club Exhibits Work at Montrose Library

Rosemont Middle School kids are learning of the power in a paintbrush -- or a pencil, crayon, or any one of the many art mediums available.

Local resident and accomplished artist, Libby Ellis, teaches 22 seventh and eighth graders once a week at Rosemont’s after-school Art Club, a program funded by the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA. “The YMCA’s after-school clubs, which include intra-mural sports as well as the Art Club are making a difference in the lives of these kids,” shares Rosemont Principal Sally Buckley. “They are excited about these programs and look forward to them each week. For kids struggling in school, this is truly motivating.”

Student Nairi Azaryan shares, “I really like Art Club because I never knew all the different things you could do with art. I’m not very good at drawing, but Libby says it’s about expressing your own personal style -- about being yourself and opening up your creativity.”

Ellis teaches a variety of techniques and works in many mediums. This year, Art Club students have studied printmaking, color theory, pattern design, book arts, and sculpture. “I have learned so much about these students and, gratefully, I have also learned so much from them,” says Ellis. “I focus on encouraging their creativity and, as a result, I feel like we’ve formed a very special bond and produced amazing art.”

The achievements of the program are being supported by local businesses.

“This program is very important and something we are proud to support,” says Wells Fargo La Crescenta store manager, Rey Rivas. Wells Fargo will be presenting a check to the YMCA at the bank’s grand opening on March 17 in support of Rosemont’s after-school clubs. YMCA President and CEO Larry Hall adds, “This upcoming art show is the culmination of a true community-based collaboration between concerned parents, Rosemont Middle School, the Montrose Public Library, individual donors and companies like Wells Fargo.”

Students’ work will be on display at the Montrose Branch Library at 2465 Honolulu Avenue for the remainder of March. For more information, call Libby Ellis at 957-8332.