Creativity Takes Center Stage At Flossmoor District 161 Art Show

FLOSSMOOR, IL — The Visual Arts Expo in Flossmoor School District 161 rivaled many art shows enthusiasts might find in the City of Chicago. Guests strolled through the gallery-style displays as talented artists in grades 4-8 proudly stood near their work while teachers looked on and parents snapped photos, asked questions, and admired the creativity on display. Refreshments were enjoyed as conversations about art filled the room throughout the evening.

The room was filled to capacity at many points during the evening as families, staff members, and community supporters gathered to view more than 100 pieces of student artwork on display. The exhibit highlighted students participating in District 161’s gifted art program, which is available to students in grades 4-5 and 7-8. Students are selected for the program through a drawing assessment and interest survey, according to Ms. Francesca Wessely, art teacher at Serena Hills Elementary School.

For more than 20 years, the Visual Arts Expo has showcased the creativity and artistic growth of District 161 students, according to Mr. Jason Walker, an art teacher at Parker Junior High. He shared that students have spent months preparing their projects and eagerly anticipated the opportunity to share their creations with the community.

The exhibit featured an impressive variety of artistic media, including sketching, ceramics, painting, sculpture, and model building. Each grade level explored a unique theme, allowing students to express themselves in creative and imaginative ways. One particularly popular display featured 8th graders who designed custom skateboard decks reflecting their personalities, interests, and artistic styles.

Seventh-grade student Aubrey Phillips shared that the most difficult part of her project, Swirly Night, a low-fire clay structure, was keeping all of the pieces together. She said she drew inspiration for her piece by studying different styles of architecture, particularly castles and Gothic design.

Throughout the evening, it was evident how proud the teachers were of their students’ accomplishments. Many could be seen walking through the displays, admiring not only their own students’ work, but also the creativity showcased by students from across the district.

“Events like this give students from across the district a meaningful chance to come together and connect through a shared passion,” said Serena Hills Elementary Principal Beth Reich.

From colorful elementary masterpieces to detailed junior high creations, the evening celebrated not only artistic talent, but also the confidence, imagination, and hard work of District 161 students and staff. The Visual Arts Expo once again transformed the space into a vibrant gallery, highlighting the power of arts education and the creativity thriving throughout the district.

The District wishes to thank the talented art teachers who helped make this year’s Visual Arts Expo possible, including Mr. Walker and Ms. Hall from Parker Junior High, Ms. Ericksen from Flossmoor Hills, Ms. Kemp from Heather Hill, Mx. Wessely from Serena Hills, and Ms. Symowicz from Western Avenue.

The creativity and encouragement helped make this year’s Visual Arts Expo a memorable success.