LOK Young Artist Expo Celebrates 10 Years of Dreams and Wishes on Friday, June 2nd!
Lindsey O’Brien Kesling (LOK) Wishing Tree Foundation will host our 10th annual LOK Young Artist Expo (YAE) showcase on Friday, June 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Central at Lubeznik Center for the Arts.
This event celebrates young artists ages 6 through 20, and the opportunities we’re able to provide to help them pursue their artistic dreams. We are grateful to Lubeznik Center for the Arts, South Shore Dance Alliance and Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington for their partnership as arts educators, as well as ongoing support for our programs provided by the Unity Foundation of LaPorte County and First Alert. Some of our shared successes:
200+ dancers have performed at YAE
450+ young artists exhibited work at YAE, 300 received professional portfolio reviews
30 young artists joined and led the Teen Arts Council
250 students learned about carbon monoxide through the Safe Home Poster Project. In addition 450+ youth led CO safety events for the public
600+ artists attended arts education – photography, drawing, violin, improv, puppeteering, miming, vocal instruction and more – as well as 39 who received art scholarships
10,000+ dancers have benefitted from the programming, summer intensive workshops and scholarship opportunities
10,000+ youth attended inspiring performances by visiting professional artists with Q&A sessions opening doors of opportunity
In addition to the exhibition, the evening’s presentation will begin 6 p.m. This year’s agenda includes performances by South Shore Dance Alliance, a longtime partner of the LOK Wishing Tree Foundation. Second City of Chicago graduate and actor, Timmy Barron will return for another year of emceeing and entertaining the crowd with his comedy. Guests can also enjoy complimentary light bites and a cash bar.
Attendees will also be able to peruse the other LCA galleries. They are open to the public six days per week, free of charge.
"The YAE is a one-of-a-kind celebration, honoring these gifted students. The education and mentorship behind the scenes necessary to prep them for YAE is extensive, only possible due to their fearless educators. I get the biggest thrill witnessing their expressions when the general public views their work. This is leadership and confidence budding 101. We have provided them a platform to express in their most natural way,” said Dot Kesling, co-founder of LOK Wishing Tree Foundation.