The Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council is excited to invite young artists involved in any pre-K to 12-grade curriculum to submit their artwork for the upcoming Kids & Art Rocks gallery exhibit. This program, a part of Tibbits and Arts Alive, celebrates student art and provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents.
Submitted artwork from students in or outside of Branch County, including homeschool submissions, will be displayed in the lower level art gallery at the historic Tibbits Opera House. A judging panel will evaluate submissions, and the top pieces will be matted and framed with student bios, ready to be leased to area businesses for a year.
The exhibit, titled “Kids & Art Rocks,” will be displayed at Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett St, Coldwater, from May 20 through July 8. In addition to the exhibit, a dessert reception will be held on July 8 from 6pm to 7pm, where all artists and their families, as well as the general public, are invited to attend.
Students attending the reception will also be entered in a drawing for art supplies. The event is a great opportunity for young artists to showcase their work, meet other artists, and receive feedback from the community.
Submission Guidelines
- Artists must submit one original piece of artwork, created during the school year, that is their own creation.
- Art must be submitted unframed to Tibbits and must be a minimum size of eight by ten inches.
- M mediums can include pencil drawings, watercolor, pastels, paintings, ink, and collages.
- Art must be appropriate to hang in businesses, as these pieces will be leased to local businesses for a year.
Artists are asked to drop off their submissions at Tibbits’ Administration Office at 93 W. Chicago St before 5pm on April 9, 2025. For more information or to clarify any questions, artists can call the Tibbits Office at 517-278-6029.
Arts Alive at Tibbits Opera House
- Arts Alive showcases a variety of themed gallery shows throughout the year, highlighting local and regional artists.
- The current exhibit is “Sunrise, Sunset,” with upcoming exhibits including “Bird is the Word,” “Savor the Flavor,” and “Heavy Metal.”
- The shows rotate approximately every six to eight weeks.
The Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council are committed to providing opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their work. By participating in the Kids & Art Rocks exhibit, young artists can gain exposure, receive feedback, and develop their artistic skills.
For more information on how to participate in the Kids & Art Rocks exhibit or to learn about upcoming Arts Alive events, call 517-278-6029, or visit the Tibbits Admin Office at 93 W. Chicago. Visitors can also view this and all Arts Alive exhibits during Tibbits events and by appointment, with no admission charge for the gallery.
A vote for the favorite artwork will also be held, with the winning piece receiving a prize.
Benefits of Participating
- Exposure for the artwork and the artist.
- Opportunity to receive feedback from the community.
- Development of artistic skills through the creative process.
- Chance to win prizes for the favorite artwork.
By participating in the Kids & Art Rocks exhibit, young artists can gain a valuable experience, make new connections, and develop their artistic talents.
