Agnes Gund’s Studio in a School program holds its big exhibit this week.
On June 23rd, Christie’s New York is hosting an exhibit, Young Visions 2015, which spotlights the work of next-generation artists — actually, make that the next, next generation of artists. A few of the creatives on display are as young as pre-schoolers. Young Visions 2015 is a show from Studio in a School, which supports visual arts education; all 400-plus artists are students from New York City public schools, daycare centers and Head Starts participating in the program. Studio dates back to 1977, when it was founded by philanthropist and art patron Agnes Gund — along with Patricia Hewitt, who’s still a board member — in response to budget cuts that knocked out much of the arts in the school system. For Gund and Hewitt, every child had a right to art education. To that end, the nonprofit brings professional artists into the classroom — picture Jeff Koons and Julie Mehretu heading up the class — and also supports older students through internship opportunities in the art world. Young Visions 2015 is their big end-of-the-year showcase and its diverse offerings don’t disappoint. From colorful paintings and cool collages to sculptures and large-scale murals, the works — a preview of which is above — manages to excite, delight and inspire.