ESCANABA — Every year, the Bonifas opens its gallery spaces to honor the creative learning in Delta County schools through its Youth In Art (YIA) exhibit. As part of a nationwide celebration, YIA reminds the community of the importance of arts education options for our children and our commitment to the development and support of their creative spirit.

This March, everyone is invited and encouraged to visit the Bonifas galleries and view the exuberant “Youth in Art” exhibit, which will feature nearly 500 pieces of children’s artwork brightening the gallery spaces and heralding the coming of spring with vibrant color.

YIA will open its doors on March 3. Virtual award presentations will be posted on the Bonifas Arts Center’s Facebook page on March 15. To celebrate YIA, the arts center is holding two open houses: the first on March 16 (for kindergarten through fifth grades, including the Learning Center); and the second on March 17 (for sixth through twelfth grades), from 4 to 7 p.m. each night. Parents are encouraged to view the art, which will be on display through March 31, and photograph their kids by their artwork.

Sponsors of the Youth In Art exhibit are: Verso Corp., Escanaba Kiwanis Club, Michigan Education Association Coordinating Council #17B, Bonifas Arts Center, GFWC–Escanaba Woman’s Club, and Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District.