A new series of free, hands-on art events titled "Picasso Was Right!" is set to inspire creativity, confidence, and joyful expression among young artists across Sullivan County this spring and summer.

Drawing inspiration from legendary artist Pablo Picasso, the program embraces his famous insight: "It took me a lifetime to learn to paint like a child." While some might view Picasso’s work and say, "a child could have done that," Picasso himself would have considered that the highest praise.

The "Picasso Was Right!" series celebrates the idea that the most meaningful art is often childlike—simple yet profound, fragile yet resilient, innocent yet wonderfully rebellious. These events are designed to nurture that natural creativity in children and teens up to age 16.

Participants will have access to a wide range of art supplies, including paints, brushes, crayons, canvas, paper, colored pencils, markers, and frames—everything needed to create freely and fearlessly in a welcoming, supportive environment.

In addition to the individual events, all participants will have the opportunity to showcase their work in a frand finale exhibition at the Krause Recital Hall at Delaware Valley Arts Alliance Gallery, complete with an Opening Night experience that welcomes young creatives to the world of art.

About the Program

"Picasso Was Right!" is rooted in the belief that every child is an artist, and that creativity thrives when young people are given the freedom to explore without judgment or pressure. By removing barriers and emphasizing play, experimentation, and self-expression, these events aim to build confidence, spark imagination, and create lasting connections to the arts.

The young artists, media, and the general public are invited to a grand opening night reception showcasing the work created at the Krause Gallery at the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance on September 4th.

These events have been scheduled:

"Picasso Was Right!" Eldred
Sunshine Hall Free Library
May 16, 2026
1:00 – 3 PM

"Picasso Was Right!" Callicoon
Callicoon Branch of the Western Sullivan Public Library
May 23, 2026
Noon – 2:00 PM

"Picasso Was Right!" Jeffersonville
Jeffersonville Branch of the Western Sullivan Public Library
June 20, 2026
Noon – 2:00 PM

"Picasso Was Right!" Narrowsburg
Narrowsburg Branch of the Western Sullivan Public Library
July 18, 2026
Noon – 2:00 PM

"Picasso Was Right!" Grand Finale

Reception/Exhibit at Krause Recital Hall, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance
September 4, 2026
3 PM- 5 PM

These are all FREE events but pre-registration is required.  Email barryvilleareaarts@gmail.com to register.

These events are made possible with the support of the Western Sullivan Public Library, Sunshine Hall Public Library, and funding from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance.