Libertyville Students Host Art Show at Library

For the first time in years, the artwork of Libertyville Elementary School District 70 students is making its way out into the community.

About 25 pieces representing every grade from kindergarten through eighth grade in a variety of media will be on display in an art show called “arteffects” at from Feb. 29 through March 19.

The bulk of the display will feature two-dimensional paintings, drawings and designs, said art teacher Megan Russell, adding that 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. on Feb. 29 at , 114 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. The artwork will be displayed throughout the building.

The idea for a show originated with Russell, in her first year as an art teacher at , 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,” said sixth-grader . “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 Llian 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. “It is a honor to be in the district art show and 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, as well as school administrators are working together to have the show go off without a hitch. This week, parent volunteers are framing and labeling the artwork.

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.”

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 and artwork also is being displayed for patients at in Libertyville.

Information provided by .