Manayunk Arts Center Offers Young Artists Contest and Classes

For the first time since the Manayunk Roxborough Art Center opened in 1953, the nonprofit institution is holding a contest for local children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Teacher Quincy Carpenter joined the co-op a few months ago with the intention of building a children’s art program.    

“This was an idea we had during a members meeting to publicize the program,” Carpenter said. “We are hoping to become more active in the community, especially working with youth.”

Children interested in participating can drop off their artwork at the center, located at 419 Green Lane, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekends, or 3 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Art using acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, charcoal, colored pencil, pastel or pencil is accepted. Collages are also accepted. No anime, please. Tuesday April 12th is the deadline.

Children can also enroll in various classes at the center on Tuesdays, classes that are taught by Carpenter.

“Currently after school for students age 8-12 there is a painting and drawing class at 4 p.m. as well as an art class also teaching French language at 5:30 p.m.,” said Carpenter, who is also hoping to start a Little Artists class for children under 5 accompanied by a parent.

She would also like to start a class for teens. The center has a set-up for observational drawing and painting as well as a library of source materials. Enrollment is ongoing and the center is always looking for new students.   

The center is welcoming to the public. Anyone can stop in on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. if they want to see the current exhibits or visit the space.

Some months feature themed shows and others feature one or two artists at a time. Currently, the theme is a fundraiser for the North Light Community Center.

Winners of the children’s art contest will have their work displayed in May’s exhibit. The theme will combine work from both the adult classes and the children's classes. The three chosen artists from the contest will be awarded framing for their work as well as award ribbons. 

“They may also offer to sell their work, if they choose,” Carpenter said. “It's not only a great introduction to our art center and our educational programs, but it's also a very empowering opportunity for children to see their work exhibited in a working gallery.”