This month, about 120 neighborhood artists are displaying their work in a free spring show. But don’t expect your typical art exhibit.

For one thing, all the artists are between the ages of 4 and 15.

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The exhibit isn’t in a gallery or museum either. Instead, the Lakewood Library, 6121 Worth, has donated its auditorium.

Despite the artists’ ages, you can expect high-quality paintings, sculptures and other art pieces, says exhibit organizer Tammy Gore.

Gore founded and operates the Lakewood Arts Academy, 1911 Abrams Parkway in the Lakewood Shopping Center.

The academy, which opened in 1993, hosts an annual show of its students’ work each spring. This year’s exhibit opens March 2 with a 2 p.m. reception and remains open through March 27.

“My goal has always been for each child to have an appreciation for art and self,” says Gore, a 35-year-old mother of two.

“It (the show) is a way of highlighting their work, of putting them in the spotlight.”

Gore, who has a degree in art education from the University of North Texas, teaches about 120 students during the school year. She also teaches summer camps that attract about 300 children, she says. Children at all ability levels are welcome, she says.

Recently, the academy also began offering adult art classes in the evenings.

A variety of mediums are taught to students, from ceramics to painting to clay. The academy also tries to teach art history, Gore says.

“If we’re studying cubism, we’ll talk about Picasso,” Gore says. “If we’re teaching color, we might talk about Matisse.”

Two other art-trained teachers work regularly with Gore – neighborhood residents Barley Vogel and Charlotte Lindsey – and other area artists drop by for guest stints leading particular workshops.

Gore’s studio at first occupied only 500 square feet, but in the middle of 1994, it moved to a 2,300-square-foot space.

“It spread like wildfire,” Gore says. “Parents are looking for some sort of alternative to gymnastics and soccer, not to mention that the schools are incredibly lacking in arts education.”

Lakewood resident Susan Hardie says her two children, Danielle and Sian, love the academy.

“They’re really proud of what they bring home,” Hardie says. “I think all children are good artists. There are just some who are exposed to it, and some who are not.”

For information, call Gore at 214-827-1222.

LIBRARY EVENTS

Lakewood Branch: Every Wednesday at 11 a.m. is preschool storytime. Family storytime takes place every Thursday night at 7:15 p.m. Family storytime features stories, films, music, puppets and poetry. The American Girls Club meets Saturday, March 8, at 2:30 p.m. to discuss the American Girls series. Lego enthusiasts: Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 15. The Lego Builders Club will meet from 2:30-4:30 p.m. For more information, call 214-670-1376.

Skillman Southwestern Branch: In addition to weekly Tuesday storytimes (pre-schoolers 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., toddlers 10 a.m.), three special programs will be offered in March for children. Youngsters two years of age and older are invited to “Pajama Story Fun” on Monday, March 10, at 7 p.m. For this unusual experience, children should wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. On Saturday, March 15, at 2:30 p.m., youngsters in first grade and older will have the opportunity to see how books are made in the third session in the Art of Making Books Series. This segment will deal with book illustration. Call the library for pre-registration. The month wraps up with a Winnie the Pooh birthday party Saturday, March 22, at 11 a.m. Partygoers will celebrate Pooh’s 70th with stories, crafts, films and more. Call 214-670-6078 for information.

East Dallas YMCA: The YMCA sponsors “Parents Night Out/Kids Night In” Friday, March 21 from 6:30-10:30 p.m. The event is for children ages infant-12 years old. Dinner is included. YMCA members pay $10 per child, $25 for three children, or $35 for four children. Program members pay $12 per child, $35 for three children, or $45 for four children. Payments are due by Wednesday, March 19. Space is limited; call 214-824-8139 for registration.