​San Jose, CA -  The walls are covered with cartoon characters, civil rights activists, and skateboard decks. These eye-catching pieces not only decorate the walls of the Sunol Community School art room but are also prominently displayed in public spaces along with other pieces from students in �ϰ��ſ������ (�ϰ��ſ������) programs. 

This year marks the third year of partnership between the �ϰ��ſ������ and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, bringing student art to the county building located at 70 West Hedding in San Jose. 

“I am so proud of our students and it is a pleasure to see their art hanging on these walls for the public to be able to see their talent,” said Eugene Santillan, Principal of North County Alternative Education. “Students see the value in their work.”

The artwork on display at the County of Santa Clara’s West Hedding location is the result of hard work and imagination from students across several �ϰ��ſ������ programs: Court and Community Schools, Medically Fragile Program, Therapeutic Program, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program, and Post-secondary Program. The art pieces range from floral paintings symbolizing student success to addressing larger issues such as opioid awareness. The largest piece, a two-panel installation, depicts students in a garden as a nod to environmental education. 

Image: Artwork on display at the County of Santa Clara’s West Hedding location

“Participation in the arts is critical for the success of every child in our schools, especially our high needs youth,” said Sofia Fojas, Arts Coordinator at the �ϰ��ſ������. 

In recognition of these efforts, the  Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors proclaimed March as Youth Arts Month at a March 10 meeting, celebrating the work of the �ϰ��ſ������ to engage students in art. At its February 26 meeting, the Santa Clara County Board of Education adopted a resolution recognizing March as Youth Arts Month, which acknowledged advocacy and partnerships expanding student access to visual and performing arts. From working with local partners to bring Bay Area artists to classrooms, to bringing student performances to public spaces, art education benefits the larger community and provides students a platform to showcase their perspectives. 

Celebrating student art won’t end at Youth Arts Month. The �ϰ��ſ������’s collection of student artwork – the largest in the state – will expand with the upcoming installation of art panels at the Ridder Park campus. Sunol students are putting the finishing touches on the panels. Their families will be the first to see the completed art during an open house in early April. 

Resources for districts, schools, and educators regarding arts education are available at https://www.sccoe.org/arts  

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About the �ϰ��ſ������

Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the �ϰ��ſ������ (�ϰ��ſ������) is a regional service agency committed to serving, inspiring, and promoting student and public school success. For more information about the �ϰ��ſ������, please visit www.sccoe.org and follow us @�ϰ��ſ������ on Facebook, Instagram, and �����԰������​​�ċ.