Drawings and paintings created by local fifth graders as part of the first Port Art Program will be displayed through Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Long Beach Civic Center’s Port of Long Beach Administration Building.

The Port of Long Beach, in partnership with the Arts Council for Long Beach, hosted two separate, weeklong sessions in July that allowed students to participate in a special harbor tour to learn about the Port’s operations and history. Participants were taught how to build artistic skills and created original artwork, with the Port serving as inspiration.

The creations of local students were celebrated on Saturday during an official opening of a gallery showcasing the work.

“Through the artwork of their children, families gain a new connection to the important role the Port plays in our city,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal. “At the same time, the Port is enriched by the creativity of its youngest community members. We are building the Port of the Future™, and it won’t be long before your generation will be in charge.”

“The Art Program encourages local students to explore their creativity while introducing them to jobs in trade,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Noel Hacegaba. “It’s part of our broader portfolio of educational initiatives designed to meet the needs of students today while building the next-generation workforce of tomorrow. By connecting students with the skills and career opportunities they need to succeed, we’re building stronger families and a stronger community.”