YoungArts Offers Plethora Of Exercises For Bright Young Minds

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - From a master jazz class taught by a panel of jazz experts, to a visual arts class taught by renowned artists  Jean Shin – whose sculptures are in the Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian – there's a lot going on at the YoungArts Foundation in Miami.

Now in its 34th year, YoungArts honors the best and brightest kids in the world of the arts from around the country.

"Every year we get about 11,000 applicants from around the country and we pick 170 kids," said Lehr.  "So, 170 of 11,000 – that's pretty amazing. The Wall Street Journal said it's harder to get into than Harvard," said Paul Lehr, president of the National YoungArts Foundation.

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To date, YoungArts has honored more than 20,000 young artists and facilitated more than $150 million in scholarship opportunities.

You might even recognize some of the past winners.

Last year actress and choreographer Debbie Allen taught a master class in dance.

The list also includes Viola Washington, Vanessa Williams, Josh Groben, Kerry Washington, Robert Redford, Viola Williams and that's just a very few.

Shin was a young arts winner back in 1990. This year she's holding master classes for students who were just like her 25 years ago.

"There's a connection and validation that they are winners. They bring you here to Miami and work with your for the week. It's really like a Cinderella moment," Shin said.

In the design arts room – where students who excel in interior design, graphics, fashion design and more – it's all about nurturing the students talents and encouraging them to pursue a life in the arts.

Eddie Garcia is a YoungArts Winner from Miami.

"I think it's a great program it gives us an opportunity for kids like us to really learn  and try your craft in a better format," said Garcia.

"For me being with them for a week is like nurturing them and challenging them to be true to themselves and to find a voice that really not only survives, but prospers," said Shin.

YoungArts Week is on through Sunday, wrapping with a YoungArts Backyard Ball Performance and Gala on Saturday night.

For more information visit www.youngarts.org.

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