Guest column by Peter Abellera: Leadership Gilroy Class of 2023 will host youth ‘Art Showcase’

Class will host event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept 16, at the Paseo behind the Gilroy Library

The Leadership Gilroy Class of 2023 is now working on a project to host an Arts Showcase event at the Gilroy Civic Plaza Saturday, Sept. 6. It will encourage families to express themselves creatively. Photo courtesy Leadership Gilroy

By Peter Abellera

Peter Abellera

The Leadership Gilroy class of 2023 saw the need to provide the youth of Gilroy with opportunities for artistic expression. We recognize the significant role of positive outlets and extracurricular activities in shaping young minds. We hope to raise awareness and ignite a passion for the arts.

To do this, our class project will host an Art Showcase from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept 16, at the Paseo between the Gilroy Library and City Hall. The event will allow local art and music organizations to connect directly with the community in a vibrant, expressive, and central event.

Leadership Gilroy is a nonprofit organization focused on developing leaders in the local community through an annual 10-month program. Participants work on leadership and team-building skills and gain a deeper understanding of their community. The Art Showcase is the keystone of this year’s class. Combining the skills and relations the class has developed throughout the program to fulfill a need in the community.

We connected with many organizations in the community to determine where we could focus our efforts, support, and constructive cause. Two organizations that have stood out are the California Summer Performing Arts Academy (CSPAA) and 6th Street Studios & Art Center (The Studios).

CSPAA hosts a yearly weeklong in-person summer day camp with expressive activities such as singing, dancing, acting, and playing a ukulele. Part of their vision is to expand their program to offer a broader spectrum of activities and lessons for other instruments.

The Studios offers seasonal classes that participants can join and develop their creativity. Some of their past workshops include creating a Lace/Ribbon American flag for the Fourth of July, picture frames for Father’s Day, mosaic gifts for Mother’s Day, and an art camp in the summer. The Studios supports local artists and arts education by providing affordable access to creative spaces, art classes, art instructional opportunities, and cultural activities.

We believe art and music have the power to transcend boundaries, ignite emotions, and spark conversations that resonate across cultures and generations. Both organizations are present in the community to provide that need for our youth. That’s why we are raising funds for both organizations for various purposes, including full sponsorship for students to attend the CSPAA program next summer and scholarships for The Studios’ spring program.

The Art Showcase will unite the community to support arts and music. There will be food, games, and live music. The chalk walk will be one of the event’s highlights. This is a family-friendly gathering that will allow attendants to bond and create art together. Gilroy is enriched with art and music. This shared experience of creative expression fosters a sense of belonging, understanding, and cooperation that strengthens the social fabric.

Communities thrive when members unite by common goals and shared values. Your support plays a pivotal role in driving positive change and growth. We look forward to seeing you on Sept. 16. If you or your organization would like to donate or be a part of the event, please email: [email protected]

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Members of this year’s class are:

• Peter Abellera — St. Louise Regional Hospital, Volunteer Coordinator

• Yosemite Bent — Titanium Onsite, Vice President

• Thomas Esparza — Cordevalle, Chef de Cuisine

• Adrian Fausto — Sakata Seed America, Inc, Stockseed Coordinator

• Sharon Goei — City of Gilroy, Community Development Director

• Lindsay Granger — Gilroy Unified School District, Program Administrator

• Jonathan Gonzalez — POCO Solar Energy, Inc, Customer Relations Manager

• Scott Harris — Alpine Landscapes, Project/Operations Manager

• Minh Nguyen — Sakata Seed America, Inc, Sustainability Coordinator

Peter Abellera is the St. Louise Regional Hospital volunteer coordinator and a member of the 2023 Gilroy Leadership class. He wrote this column for Gilroy Life.