The Art Collectors in Training program: Encouraging art appreciation among children.

To continue encouraging the appreciation of the arts in youth, The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts developed a program in 2010 known as Art Collectors in Training (ACT).

The ACT program was developed for children between the ages of 6 and 14 as an opportunity for kids to view and purchase a piece of art on exhibit from participating artists.

Last year, more than 115 artists donated 400 small pieces of art to the ACT collection. Children shopped in a “kids-only” shopping zone, purchasing items priced at $5 to $10. Artwork was labeled with the artists’ names and booth locations so the children and their parents could meet with the artists face to face.

Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is dedicated to the strengthening of the foundation of the arts through youth in our community and with outreach support to a local nonprofit organization. At the 2011 festival, we raised approximately $2,700 from the ACT program for the Children’s Cancer Center.

By promoting ownership in art, the program provides children avenues for personal growth and community relationships. Through ACT, we are investing in the future of our neighborhoods and our children.

Artists-in-the-Schools Program

The Friday prior to the festival, we have some of our artists participate in our artist-in-the -schools program. These artists spend time with students throughout Hillsborough County by either doing an on-site demonstration or making a presentation of their work.