Artwork from ASI Children’s Center displayed in Sac State Union
University Union hosts annual “More Than Just Scribbles” exhibit
The entrance to the “More Than Just Scribbles” art exhibit on the second floor of the University Union on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. The exhibit will continue to be held every day from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. until Thursday, Sept. 30. Photo by Nicque McMullen
September 20, 2021
Walking into the “More Than Just Scribbles” art exhibit can feel nostalgic to anyone proud of the artwork they made when they were young.
Art made by the children from the ASI Children’s Center hangs this week on the walls of the Gallery located on the second floor of the Sacramento State University Union.
This exhibit started as artwork being hung in the study area of the second floor about 15 years ago, according to Director of the ASI Children’s Center Sherry Velte via email. In spring 2017, the exhibit transitioned to the Gallery, where it has since been an annual tradition.
Over 100 children ranging from 6 months old to approximately 6 years old have participated in creating the artwork, displayed with a description of what materials were used to create the art and the child’s thought process behind each piece.
Teachers in the ASI Children’s Center observe and note what interests the children during their time at the center during playtime and field trips.
“From there, the teachers facilitate the children’s creation by gathering the materials they will need, providing many days and weeks to create the piece and document the children’s word[s], expressions [and] ideas,” Velte said in her email.
Ideas created from observing the children range from coloring ice cubes and beeswax to riding tricycles with paint over a cloth and rolling toy cars through paint.
With the art hanging on the walls, these young artists come to experience it for themselves.
Gallery attendant Hanaa Alnassiry said a group of two and three-year-olds from the Children’s Center stopped by to see their artwork which led to them dancing around and taking pictures with their art.
“They were ecstatic,” Alnassiry said. “They were so happy to see that their stuff was here. [The children] saw a couple of pieces that their friends made, and they were really happy to see that too.”
Niya Allen, a gallery attendant, said it’s eye-opening to those who come and visit.
“[Visitors] are mesmerized at the fact that children created all of this,” Allen said.
Families of these children were proud and excited, according to Velte. Before COVID-19, the Children’s Center would host a reception night for the children, their families and other special guests, including members from the Crocker Art Museum.
Some examples of art displayed in the Gallery include pieces inspired by the kid’s game “I Spy,” the solar system and a collection of findings from a nature hike.
“I think it reinforces at an early age how important art and creativity is and it makes them feel like what they are creating is valued, appreciated, and important,” said Rebecca Voorhees, Design, Identity and Studio Manager for The University Union via email.
“More Than Just Scribbles” will continue to be held at the University Union from Tuesday, Sept. 21 until Thursday, Sept. 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
