District 33 art students show their work at Gallery 200 in West Chicago

"Art is the Heart of the City," an exhibit of the work of students in West Chicago Elementary District 33 in celebration of Youth Art Month, is on display through March at West Chicago's Gallery 200.

The student exhibit consists of artwork from Pioneer, Turner, Indian Knoll, Currier, Wegner and Gary elementary schools, as well as Leman Middle School. A reception for artists and their families is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 6, at the gallery, 200 Main St., West Chicago.

The work includes a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, representing a broad spectrum of styles and artistic periods/genres that are taught in grades one through eight. Artwork on display is representative of the art program District 33 offers and demonstrates the creativity of its young artists.

The theme was chosen by the District 33 art teachers to emphasize the value of participation in art for all children. Art activities stimulate creativity, imagination, perception and selectivity. In art classrooms, children enter the world of painting, drawing, sculpting, fiber arts, and modeling with clay.

Children use critical thinking skills while looking for more than one solution and uniquely interpret understanding of the concepts taught. Those small differences can produce wonderful variety in their work.

District 33 art teachers are Kirsten Snodgrass, Linda Rooney, Lisa Miller, Christine Cintula, Mary Garcia, Jacqueline Neidhardt, Joshua Lundquist and Katie Yankowski. These teachers are proud to display their students' work in the gallery where retired District 33 art teachers Heide Morris and Fredericka Howard have been featured artists, as well as curators and hosts to many exhibits.

Student artwork has been a part of the cultural fabric in West Chicago for many years, and "Art is the Heart of the City" gives a new face to this historical connection.

"Gallery 200 is proud to host this student show for the third year, and we hope to continue to support the arts programs of District 33 through this experience," said Morris, Gallery 200's volunteer administrator.

"Our goal to provide a venue for local artists to showcase their work and does include our youngest members, the students. Beyond the educational advantage of working in a creative discipline such as art, the gallery show is an opportunity for young people to experience the gallery format as exhibitors.

"We invite the community to enjoy the exhibit and see what the elementary school art program is accomplishing for our youths."

Gallery 200 is open noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For information, call (630) 293-9550.