Heights celebrates Youth Art Month with artist reception

The annual artist reception in celebration of Youth Art month is one of the highlights for student artists at Hamilton Heights Middle and High School students. It also gives members of the community the opportunity to see the range and talent by local students. Hamilton Heights Youth Art Month reception will feature award-winning works by HHMS students, including Lauryn Wancyzk and Autumn Anderson. (Photo provided)

Members of the Hamilton Heights Art Department cordially invite the community to join them in celebration of Youth Art Month with a special reception and art exhibition from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5 at the Hamilton North Public Library, 209 W. Brinton St, Cicero. The exhibition will feature outstanding two- and three-dimensional work created by students from Hamilton Heights Middle and High schools.

The elite exhibition will run through March 31 and is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Artwork from middle school students like Autumn Anderson and Lauryn Wanczyk will be featured at this year’s exhibition. Anderson and Wanczyk earned Honorable Mention at this year’s Scholastic Art & Writing Awards at Butler University. They will receive their awards in the category of an original illustration (Wanczyk) and painting (Anderson) at this year’s Awards Ceremony at Clowes Memorial Hall on March 22.

Anderson, who was surprised by the award, said her inspiration for her painting was her dog Pepper. Wancyzk said she used her imagination to create her piece. Both students enjoy art and are active in the Middle School Art Club.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to exhibit student work in honor of Youth Art Month for the third consecutive year,” said HHMS art teacher Erin Goodman. “The library in Cicero is a perfect venue for this display and visited by many throughout the month. Also, I am so proud of Lauryn and Autumn for these Scholastic Art Awards. They are two very talented eighth-grade artists and it is nice for them to be recognized at the regional level.”

Goodman, along with HHHS art teacher Taylor Myers, will be on hand to welcome guests to the event. Light refreshments will be served. Youth Art Month is designed to promote art and art education in the United States. It is observed in March with thousands of American schools participating.