ROCHELLE — An Art Show was held during the open house and book fair night at all three Rochelle elementary schools on Thursday and featured a total of over 1,000 student art works, Rochelle District 231 Art Teacher Cassie Inman said. 

At Lincoln, Central and Tilton Elementary Schools, each building had an art installation inclusive of most or all of the students within the schools. Inman has been with the district for 20 years, and said art teachers have been presenting student work since before she was hired. For the fourth time, the art show included a glow show, using fluorescent materials and a black light.

Installation art is an artistic genre of three-dimensional works that are often site-specific and designed to transform the perception of a space. Generally, the term is applied to interior spaces, whereas exterior interventions are often called public art, land art or art intervention; however, the boundaries between these terms overlap.

“It's not just important, it's necessary,” Inman said of showcasing students’ work. “Displaying their work gives them joy and teaches confidence. The fact that they get to share their artwork with family and friends gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment.”

Inman called art and music programs “vital” to student success and said they improve focus, engage students, and reduce stress. Arts support students in developing social management through project-based learning which fosters collaboration, communication skills, and opportunities to resolve conflict, she said. 

Inman thanked the community for its support of the art show. 

“Art is meant to be seen!” Inman said. “It is always wonderful when the community shows up to support young artists. It is so important to have these opportunities for positivity outside of academic success.”

The longtime elementary district art teacher said that artwork on now-common screens in the education environment can’t replace old-fashioned art works. 

“Digital art is important and a wonderful skill to pursue,” Inman said. “However, putting pencil to paper and creating things without screens allows for more creativity and the mind to relax. It's also fun! I love to see the different ways students interpret a project.”