Wauconda Area Library to host District 118 art show
Wauconda Area Library will soon transform into a showcase for nearly 500 works of art created by area students.
The library will host the annual Wauconda Unit School District 118 Art Show from Saturday, Feb. 18, to Wednesday, March 15. As in years past, the exhibition kicks off with the Studio 118 Opening Reception, which will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28. The young artists, their families and members of the community are invited to attend the reception.
"Student artists will be there with their families and art teachers to stroll through the hundreds of works created by first through 12th graders," said art instructor Christine Merkel, who teaches at Cotton Creek, Matthews Middle and Wauconda Middle schools.
Merkel estimates between 450 and 500 pieces of art created by District 118 elementary, middle and high school students will be displayed throughout the library. New this year, student pianists will provide musical entertainment on the library's baby grand piano. Light refreshments will also be served.
Wauconda Area Library Director Tom Kern said he loves how the drawings, paintings and sculptures transform the library every year. The library's partnership with the school district for the event provides the rest of the community the opportunity to see the artwork.
"We all look forward to the exhibit every year at this time," Kern said. "It's a great way to usher out the winter doldrums and welcome spring. The library is such a great venue for the students' art. We average nearly 700 visitors per day and can provide a large audience for each work of art. The students get a kick out of knowing that their art is being seen by so many people in addition to their friends and families, and our visitors enjoy seeing so much art displayed throughout the library."
Admission to opening night reception is free. The public can visit the library at 801 N. Main St., Wauconda, during regular hours to see the work. The artwork will be displayed until March 15.