Public Art Commission approves $6,000 grant for Kids Kaleidoscope youth exhibition

The Escondido Public Art Commission voted to grant the Escondido Art Association $6,000 to support its Kids Kaleidoscope exhibition and scholarship program.

Adrian Stewart, who introduced the item as president (or leader) for the association, described the program's scope: it pre‑curates student work from about 15 local public, charter, private and homeschool programs, mounts professional displays and offers awards and scholarship funds for high school winners. Ginger Martinson, who has chaired the program for three years, said last year the program served "over a 100" students and the goal this year is roughly 130 submissions.

Commissioners asked how the program reaches schools and whether the budget could better support materials for students. Martinson said outreach has relied on direct contact with teachers and partner schools and that awards for younger students consist of art materials rather than cash.

Chair Carol Rogers moved to approve $6,000 and Commissioner Jacqueline Kelleher seconded the motion. At the time of voting the chair announced the motion was approved 6‑0. Commissioner Leila Sackfield asked for and received assurance from organizers that marketing dollars would be used, in part, to provide supplies to students who need them.

The association's opening reception is scheduled for March 14; organizers said the program is free to participating children.