WASHINGTON, DC.- Expressions 2009: Art by DC Youth will showcase the art and creativity of young people involved in the award-winning Corcoran ArtReach program. ArtReach extends the resources of the Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design to Washington, DC communities through free after-school and summer art classes. Using the Corcoran’s collections as a primary resource, ArtReach fosters visual literacy, critical thinking skills, and creative expression while encouraging young people to develop meaningful connections between art and their lives.

Expressions 2009, on view from May 28 to June 21 in the Corcoran’s Gallery 31, marks the 17th anniversary of the Corcoran ArtReach program. Inspired by visits to the Corcoran’s recent temporary exhibitions, Elena Del Rivero: Home Suite and Richard Avedon: Portraits of Power, both on view in the last year, and current exhibition Maya Lin: Systematic Landscapes, ArtReach students created vibrant works that explore and celebrate themes such as experience and memory, power and identity, and perceptions of the landscape.

“The Corcoran has a long history of community engagement and a strong commitment to supporting art education opportunities for the District’s young people. Expressions 2009: Art by DC Youth celebrates the talents and gifts of our ArtReach students and provides them with a platform to respond to art through a variety of mediums. It is a joyous celebration and an opportunity for the museum, parents, and community partners to support the ArtReach students and their many accomplishments,” said Sarah Durkee, Director of Public Education.

The multimedia installation—comprised of photography, painting, charcoal, and digital media— will open with a reception and award ceremony for students, families and guests at the Corcoran Gallery of Art on May 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Gallery 31