DOWNEY — Get ready for a day filled with art, creativity, and community spirit as Stay Arts and Downey Foundation for Educational Opportunities (DFEO) team up to present their annual Student Art Showcase at Stonewood Center this Saturday, May 18.

This showcase celebrates the creativity of over 600 students from the Access After School visual arts program across 17 Downey Unified School District elementary and middle schools. The featured artworks were created during the program’s after-school art classes taught by Stay Arts’ team of teaching artists.

The Access After School program, created and managed by local nonprofit DFEO, offers free after-school care consisting of academic support, social emotional learning, fitness and enrichment activities, including art and music. DFEO partners with Stay Arts to manage the visual arts component of the program, providing weekly after-school art classes and professional arts instruction.

“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity for our students and families,” says Sheila Tetangco-Bartolone, Executive Director of DFEO. “Our partnership with Stay Arts has been invaluable in providing artistic and creative experiences for our students. This showcase is a testament to the positive impact that arts have had on their educational journey.”

Stay Arts is a local nonprofit that increases arts access for artists, youth and families through high-quality, community-led programming and arts education. Stay Arts operates Stay Gallery, a community art gallery and creative space based in Downtown Downey. They have organized art exhibitions for thousands of Downey Unified students since 2013.

"Providing space and visibility in the arts for our students is at the core of what we do," says Gabriel Enamorado, Executive Director of Stay Arts. "We are excited to share their art with the community and grateful for our partnerships with DFEO and Stonewood Center. This exhibition not only showcases our students' work but also reimagines how we engage with our local mall, a place that holds cherished memories for many in Downey.”

This year, Stay Arts and DFEO are collaborating with the Stonewood Center, a local shopping center that has been a cornerstone of the Downey community for many years. Stonewood has generously donated a 4,500-square-foot storefront for the showcase, offering a unique opportunity for families to gather and celebrate the creativity of local youth.

"We are proud to partner with Stay Arts and DFEO to provide a venue for talented young artists to shine,” says Annette Reed, Senior Marketing Manager of Stonewood Center. "This partnership is our effort at bringing the community together to support local students and budding talent.”

The showcase will feature primarily drawings and paintings of various mediums and themes. Students created artworks based on their inspirations, passions, interests, or concepts they learned in art class. These classes have provided a safe space for students to explore creative outlets, experiment with different art mediums, and decompress after school.

“All of my students are excited to display their artworks!” says Sofia Carrillo, a teaching artist with Stay Arts and former Downey Unified student. “It feels really special being able to teach art at the same elementary school I went to, and to give my students the opportunity to share their creativity. These art showcases help build self-confidence and a sense of connection.”

The showcase will be held on Saturday, May 18 from 11:00am to 8:00pm located at Store C23 (next to Cotton On and across from Charlotte Russe). Attendees are recommended to use the entrance between Toast and Sears. Opening remarks begin at 11:30am. Free art kits will be provided for the first 100 students to attend.

The showcase will be open to the public with free admission. Online RSVP’s and donations are strongly encouraged, with proceeds supporting the continuation of free and accessible after-school art classes for students and families. Donations can be made online or in-person during the event.

To learn more, get directions, and RSVP online, please visit: stayarts.org/stonewood. For questions, please email hello@stayarts.org or call/text (562) 774-2056.