Juneau Youth Services Gallery makes sure young artists from any background have a potential platform for artistic expression.

The fourth annual show will take place 4-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7 at the Baranof Heritage Cafe, and submissions are being accepted until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5.

“We have children from all walks of life submitting their art,” Lori King, event organizer, told the Capital City Weekly. “I wanted to have our community come through Gallery Walk and say, ‘How do I help a child.’”

King said art can be a vital form of expression for youths, but not everyone has an avenue for artistic expression, so the show fills that niche and raises awareness of youths in need of additional support.

The Great Alaskan Toy Drive, the Salvation Army, Racheal MacLeod Christmas Dinner Box Project and the Office of Children’s Services will have a presence at the art show, and fliers for the show can be seen in the windows of several local businesses.

“Juneau has been really great in their support,” King said.

Juneau Youth Services chief executive officer Amy Simonds Taylor said attending the show, making a donation to JYS, taking an ornament off the OCS Christmas tree and helping a family in need have a happy holiday are all ways to help.

The theme of this year’s art show is “This is Me.”

King showed The Capital City Weekly some slides of past works that provided insight into how their creators felt and thought.

They included an impressively expressive painting depicting stress and a detailed drawing that showed Mother Nature’s disdain for rubbish that floated near her head.

King said while the youths are obviously skilled, that was not the main reason she was showing their work.

“It’s more about what they’re saying,” King said. “There’s some of them that have been really powerful.”

She specifically cited a cartoon strip that was drawn by a non-verbal child, who would not otherwise communicate via words or sign language.

Because of the show’s mission statement, King said she tries to display as much artwork as possible, but reminded potential entrants that it is a family show.

Submissions are limited to people 18 or younger and entries must be original work. There is a limit of five pieces per person. Most media will be accepted with the exception of unfired clay or green ware, and submissions must be matted.

King said those interested in submitting artwork should call(907)321-8311 or (907)523-6542.

So far, submissions have been trickling in, but King said she would be pleased to see more come in — especially ahead of the deadline.

“I’ve gotten a few, but I’d like to see more coming in,” King said.

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• Contact arts and culture reporter Ben Hohenstatt at (907)523-2243 or bhohenstatt@juneauempire.com.

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