BROKEN BOW–The 2021 Young Children’s Art Show is taking place now at the Broken Bow Public Library (626 S D St, Broken Bow, NE 68822) to celebrate children’s creativity. This is the eighth year for the art show with pieces of artwork created by children from all over Custer County.
Community members can view artwork now through the end of April. This local art show is one way to celebrate the Week of the Young Child–established in 1971–part of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
This week (April 10-16) marks the 50th anniversary of the Week of the Young Child (WOYC) and recognizes that the early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life.
Heather Schmidt of Love and Learn Childcare in Broken Bow told KCNI/KBBN the WOYC is an opportunity for families and childcare providers to focus on areas that promote early childhood development such as movement, health, music, food, art, and other “beautiful things young children can create.”
“This is the Week of the Young Child so it’s a really great time to focus on the creative side of them [young children] and what all they’re doing and celebrate everything about them,” Schmidt said.
More than 60 pieces of artwork are on display at the Broken Bow Public Library this month and feature 3D components, paint, crayons, and various textures. The artwork is created by preschools, childcare programs, and families. Schmidt said an art show like this is important to a child’s social and emotional development, as well as self confidence.
“They [local kids] are so proud of the work that they do that it’s really fun for them to get to see it displayed like that so that other people can enjoy it,” Heather Schmidt told KCNI/KBBN.
In addition to the art show to celebrate the Week of the Young Child, local organization 4 County Kids (of Custer and Blaine counties) recently sponsored Children’s Fair Activity Bags to help foster children’s love of play.
Using grant funds and community experts, 4 County Kids also aims to support childcare providers, educate the public on the importance of early childhood development, and improve educational opportunities.
4 County Kids Coordinator Jessica Coleman said the organization also focuses on the importance of play in a child’s growth and development. Coleman encourages the public to check out the 4 County Kids Facebook page for helpful tips and resources as well as information about local childcare openings.
