Broome County has first ever art exhibit for children

(Binghamton, NY) It was a first of firsts on June 4 as the Discovery Center of the Southern Tier hosted their first “First Friday” art exhibit. The exhibit featured artwork created by children attending the Discovery Center’s school programs. It was the first ever official art gallery in the area to highlight children as the key artists. 

Staff at the Discovery Center, along with organizer Jess Petrylak, say the Art Enrichment Program’s goal is to give the children a hands-on experience through the arts. 

”We have been accumulating artwork all year to eventually showcase to our community,“ Petrylak said. “We specifically wanted to exhibit the art lower on the wall for the children to view themselves, but had a hard time finding somewhere that would accommodate this in our community. With help from our amazing interim Executive Director, Cheryl Dutko, we converted our café into a gallery space so we could participate in First Friday alongside local artists downtown.” 

She said it was important for children to see their accomplishments at eye level at a place that is familiar to them. As the Discovery Center has been a place of comfort for children in the Southern Tier for over two decades, it acts as the perfect venue. 

Over 60 families attended the children’s gallery. Petrylak said three words to describe the event are refreshing, hopeful and happy.

”It was moving to see so many people move through this space, seeing smiles and hearing children’s laughter,” Petrylak said. “After this long year of isolation & fear, it felt like a marker and a light at the end of a tunnel. It just was a really hopeful and happy day.”

The staff at the Discovery Center said that they are always accepting donations and looking for new opportunities to collaborate with their community.

If you wish to donate to their cause, please email jpetrylak@thediscoverycenter.org