JCCS Students to Display Artwork At Front Arte Cultura Gallery June 15-17

Students from the San Diego County Office of Education’s Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS) will exhibit drawings, photographs, and prints they created as part of a year-long program called the Art Works Fellowship. 

The Art Works Fellowship is a partnership between Arts Education Connection San Diego (AECSD) and JCCS. Fifteen students from Lindsay Community School, Global Academy of California, and Victoria Community School will celebrate what they've learned through developing a dedicated art practice. The work will be on view at The Front Arte Cultura Gallery, 147 West San Ysidro Blvd. in San Ysidro from June 15 to 17. 

This is the fifth year of the Art Works fellowship with many students participating year after year.

“Through this long-standing partnership with AECSD, we have seen incredible growth in our students' academic performance, artistic skills, and personal development,” said Amanda Wallace, arts technician for JCCS. “JCCS students have gained so much by studying with professional artists and understand that they can also have a career in the arts." 

The Art Works Fellowship program provides a pathway to an arts-focused education and career. Fellows enrolled in this program learn art skills, meet professional artists, and receive mentoring by teaching and practicing artists Diana Cervera and Lorain Khalil Rihan. Participants develop a capstone project that includes a portfolio of artwork, an exhibition, artist statements, a resume, and a public speaking presentation. They are also learning entrepreneurial skills, making their artwork available for sale to the public during the exhibition. The new skills can be included on a resume and support preparation for college-level arts classes, internships, and jobs. Students who complete the Art Works Fellowship Program will earn five high school credits and a $200 stipend.

“We are so proud to partner with JCCS and see the incredible talent of these students on display in a professional gallery space," said Karah Lain, president of AECSD's board of directors.

The Art Works Fellowship program is funded by the California Arts Council. a state agency, County District Attorney's Office, and the San Diego County Office of Education.