Illuminated paintings, glass mosaics and clay birds are a few hand-made items at a children’s exhibit at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The art work is part of the SIUE Early Childhood Center’s Fourth Annual Children’s Art Exhibit in connection with the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child. The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.
The young artists are displaying their work through Friday in the Morris University Center Gallery. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
“It is important for children to express themselves through their art,” said Trish Scheibal, teacher for Cypress Room at the Early Childhood Center (ECC).
“At the Early Childhood Center, art is one of the primary mediums used to represent children’s understanding, thinking and learning,” said Rebecca Dabbs MacLean, director at the Early Childhood Center.
On Wednesday, all five classes at the ECC, came to tour their art work on display. The young artists were excited to locate their renderings that graced the walls and space of the MUC Gallery.
Some of the other creations include: paintings with magnets, weaving with colored paper, balloon art on paper, water color on paper towels, clay snakes and a bird display. The bird display contains birds, nests and eggs made of clay.
Mixed in with the artwork were also wall posters that advocated for children’s rights. Some of them read:
• “Priority: End Child Poverty”
• “Priority: Ensure Every Child Can Read at Grade Level by 4th Grade and Guarantee Quality Education Through High School Graduation”
• “Priority: Ensure Every Child and Pregnant Woman Access to Affordable, Seamless, Comprehensive Health and Mental Health Coverage”
The exhibit will close at noon Friday.
Photo Information:
Owen and Mary Kate look in awe at bird’s nest display.
Carter observes some pine cone art.
Taya points to a pumpkin drawing.
Elliot is thrilled by the snake display.