Libertyville students to display art for community
For the first time in years, the artwork of Libertyville Elementary District 70 students is making its way into the community.
About 25 pieces representing every grade from first through eighth, and in a variety of media, will be on display in an art show called “arteffects” at Cook Memorial Public Library Feb. 29 to March 19.
The bulk of the display will feature two-dimensional paintings, drawings and designs, said art teacher Megan Russell, who added that the selection is limited due to space and safety concerns.
The community is invited to an open house of the show from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, at the library, 114 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. The artwork will be displayed throughout the building.
The idea for a show originated with Russell, a first-year art teacher at Highland Middle School, and the school’s family association art committee.
“The family association art committee and myself both feel that it is very important to provide students with an opportunity to display their talents in the community that they live in outside of the school walls,” said Russell, who has taught art in other schools before coming to District 70.
“We felt that hosting an all-district art show at a community building would be a great way to reach our goal.”
Students agree.
“Being in the art show means a lot to me because it is a way to express my creativity and imagination through art,” sixth-grader Allison Tong said.
“I want to inspire people to dream big because, in art, there are no restrictions. The sky is the limit when it comes to laying out your imagination on paper.”
For eighth-grader Jullian Ruff, “Being in the District 70 art show is a chance to be proud. It is a chance to be proud of all the hard work you have put into making something beautiful.”
Seventh-grader Troy Sanchez considers being a part of the art show an honor as well.
“It is a honor to be in the district art show, and it has always been a dream to have my work on display,” he said.
The show is no small undertaking, as volunteers from the Highland Family Association and school administrators are working together to have the show go off without a hitch.
The art show provides the students with an opportunity to display their talents to family, friends, and the community, Russell said.
“It also recognizes the students outside of the school walls and provides the community with an event where all can share and observe the hard work of student artists,” she said.
District 70 art teachers, including Russell, Cindi Sartain, and Alicia Sather, have been working this year to get more student artwork in the community.
The teachers arranged an art show in December at Libertyville High School and artwork is being displayed for patients at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.