Celebrating Our Youth--Our Future

February 4 - 21, 2007 
Glenview Mansion 
at Civic Center Park 
603 Edmonston Drive 
Rockville, MD
(301) 309-3001 
www.rockvilleartleague.org

The purpose of this exhibition is to remind us all to make some time for the young people in our communities: our children, our neighbors. The youth of today are our future and the world they live in is far more complex than anything I ever confronted when I was growing up.

It seems that we adults are often so caught up in the pursuit of things -- success, money, the latest gadget, whatever -- that we forget to take time and every opportunity to nurture relationships with young people in our communities. In no way am I trying to run a guilt trip on anyone, but instead I would just like all of us to think about what we might be able to do to inspire the next generation, our future.

While growing up in the inner city of Brooklyn there were so many people who encouraged me to look beyond my immediate surroundings, and many of them only suggested the possibilities in brief conversations. Yet, their taking an interest in my dreams and aspirations made me feel like I could do anything I set my mind to...if only I applied myself diligently.

One should never underestimate the power of one's words of encouragement to young people, the opportunities to share the learning and provide support. So, I want to celebrate our youth because there are so many young people out there working hard and trying to make a positive difference. But, I also want to remind and encourage my contemporaries visiting this exhibition that we must be ever vigilant in looking for and making opportunities to nurture the successor generation in our respective communities. Let us not forget to nurture and celebrate our youth; they are our future!

Please Note: The painting "Too Real" is a collaboration between mother (Cyn) and son (Nate).