Celebrating the arts in District 303
What do you get when you cross an alternative folk rock band with a nationally known visual artist, ballet dancers, a middle school band and elementary students playing the recorder?
The answer, of course, is ArtFusion 2012, an event designed to showcase the talents of students in St. Charles District 303, as well as raise money for the Greater St. Charles Education Foundation.
ArtFusion takes place at 7 p.m. Friday, March 2, at St. Charles North High School, 255 Redgate Road, St. Charles.
“This concert spotlights artists in the district and shows the importance of mentoring,” said Deborah Mulrooney, president of the foundation.
Mulrooney said one of the highlights of the events will be Batavia artist Joe Gagnepain, who will create a painting live onstage while other performers are doing their thing.
“Joe is a fantastic guy who does a lot to give back to the community,” Mulrooney said. “We’re fortunate he’s donating his talents and this exclusive painting.”
The painting will later be auctioned off with proceeds going to the foundation.
While Gagnepain is busy with paint and brush, performers from every school in District 303 will take their turns onstage. Scheduled performers include harp soloist Audrey Ernst, ballet dancers en pointe, an elementary school recorder group and band, the Haines Middle School band, a violin/cello quintet, a St. Charles North percussion band and a St. Charles East singing group.
The visual arts portion of the evening will not be limited to Gagnepain’s efforts. Rebecca Hubbs, who has taught art for 21 years in elementary schools in District 303, will create a gallery in the lobby displaying the work of students from all 17 schools in the district. A smaller version of sculptor Guy Bellaver’s “Ekwabet” will be present as well.
When the students are done performing, a popular local band will take the stage.
“We’re closing the show with Ellus Bellus, a local folk rock duo,” Mulrooney said. The members of Ellus Bellus are St. Charles East graduates.
There is no fee to attend this feast for the senses, but a donation of $10 for adults and $1 for students is requested. Funds raised will go to the Greater St. Charles Education, which funds grants for educators in District 303.
“We have a grant application on our website — anyone can write one,” Mulrooney said. In the past, Mulrooney said, grants have funded everything from exercise balls, Great Books collections to the most complicated science equipment.
In addition to helping teachers enhance learning for students, the foundation awards four $1,000 scholarship per year to graduating seniors.
Since 1992, the foundation has raised more than $1 million to benefit District 303 students.
For details, see stceducation.com.
If you go
What: ArtFusion 2012, an evening showcasing the visual and performing arts in St. Charles Unit District 303. Featured guests include Joe Gagnepain and Ellus Bellus.
When: 7-9 p.m. Friday, March 2
Where: St. Charles North High School, 255 Redgate Road, St. Charles
Admission: Free, but suggested donations are $10 adults and $1 students
Details: <a href="http://www.stceducation.com">stceducation.com</a>