Up-and-coming talent

Colors, textures and creativity will be on display at Elmhurst College's annual High School Art Exhibit, which begins today.

The ninth annual show will consist of high school artists, ranging from freshmen to seniors, and will include paintings, sculptures, computer art, video design and jewelry.

The show will feature more than 400 works by students from 10 local high schools, including Addison Trail, East Leyden, Fenton, Lyons Township, Morton East, Morton West, Proviso West, West Leyden, Willowbrook and York Community.

The gallery will be open from 8 a.m. to midnight Mondays through Saturdays, and noon to midnight on Sundays. The exhibit, in the Founders Lounge at Frick Center, 190 Prospect Ave., runs through Jan. 23.

Suellen Rocca, director of art exhibitions at Elmhurst College, said it's always heartwarming to see how many students and their extended families turn out at the reception.

"Being an artist myself and growing up and participating in art exhibitions, I remember how important it was to me to have my work shown," she said. "I always get a really wonderful feeling from seeing that."

Charles Henderson, director of public relations for Elmhurst College, loves the show.

"Every time we host this show, I sort of get a fresh look into the minds of today's high school students," he said. "Sometimes it's very illuminating."

He also loves its size.

"It's floor to ceiling," he said, "jam-packed with student art in a large facility," he said.

If you go

What: Elmhurst College's ninth annual High School Art Exhibit

When: Through Jan. 23

Where: Founders Lounge at Frick Center, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst

Cost: Free

Details: (630) 617-3033 or visit www.elmhurst.edu