Child’s play

Torus Tammer

Darlene DeAngelo, curator for the Huntington Beach Art Center, is

excited by the response to the “Crayola Dream-Makers” exhibit.

“Everyone wants to know who did these pieces, and what they don’t know

initially is that they are done by kids,” DeAngelo said. “Some of the

kids are even as young as 5.”

The exhibit will be on display through Sunday.

“I was thrilled that we could exhibit this program because the kids

are chosen from all over the country,” DeAngelo said. “Last year, it was

at the Orange County Museum of Art, so I’m honored to be on that list.”

The work was created by students in kindergarten through sixth grade,

and represents nine Western states and Canada.

Program administrator Patrick Lathrop, who organized the event on

behalf of region host Imagination Celebration of Orange County, said the

Dream-Makers program began in 1984, when the Benny and Smith Co. put it

together with Crayola as the sponsor. The purpose of the program, he

said, is to provide art-based activities and techniques for teachers to

use with students, as well as to offer an opportunity for recognition

through an exhibition, which is now held annually.

So far, more than 14 million teachers and children have participated

in the program, officials said.

Lathrop said the pieces on display at the Art Center are unique and

refers to the creation of Richard Villagomez, 12, as an example.

“Richard was 11 when he did this, and it’s the only three-dimensional

piece in the exhibition,” Lathrop said. “Richard’s piece was made from

clay and is his perception of an imaginative craft.”

DeAngelo said it’s not only an honor for the city to have host the

exhibit, but it is a big deal for the children.

“The kids get to display their art and participate in the entire

process,” DeAngelo said. “They get to speak with other artists and people

in the art community about their work, which really opens up a new world

for them.”

Lathrop said it was important to hold the three-week event at the Art

Center because of the city’s broad history as an art community.

“I’ve worked with them before,” Lathrop said. “I like the center and

its curator, so it made perfect sense to approach her about housing the

event.”

FYI

The “Crayola Dream-Makers” exhibit will be on display through Sunday

at the Huntington Beach Art Center, 538 Main St. Viewing hours are noon

to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The center closes at 8 p.m.

Thursdays and at 4 p.m. Sundays. It is closed Mondays. Information: (714)

374-1650.