New Aurora Public Art Exhibit Features Art By K-12 Students

AURORA, IL — The final Aurora Public Art exhibit of 2025 features the works of local K-12 students.

"Winter Garden of Youth" opened Friday at 20 E. Downer Place in downtown Aurora and will run through Jan. 17.

"Winter Garden of Youth" showcases students who attend East Aurora School District 131, West Aurora School District 129, Indian Prairie School District 204, Batavia Public School District 101, Oswego Community Unit School District 308 and Kaneland Community Unit School District 302.

"We are thrilled to present the exceptional creativity, imagination, and skill of our talented young artists and innovators," Curator Sangeeta Pande said in a statement. "This exhibit is a testament to the power of youthful expression and the joy of creation. Prepare to be inspired."

As part of the programming for the exhibit, Aurora Public Art will host Simply Destinee Youth Center at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 13. The dance center will provide a free dance performance for gallery attendees to share "an important message on mental health." The theme, "No One Dances Through Life Alone," is meant to raise awareness for suicide prevention while spreading joy to viewers, officials said.

Aurora Public Art is open from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.