Annual student exhibition opens Jan. 23 at Freeport Art Museum

From press release

FREEPORT, Ill.—“Aspiring Artists Student Exhibition: Earth 3000” opens at Freeport Art Museum (FAM) Saturday, Jan. 23, and runs through Saturday, March 20, 2010.

Hundreds of students have work included in the exhibition. Witness spectacular examples of 2-D and 3-D student art work from Jones-Farrar ELC, Center, Blackhawk, Taylor Park and Lincoln-Douglas Elementary schools, Carl Sandburg, Durand High School, Durand Elementary, Stockton High School, Freeport Junior High, Pearl City and Byron High School.

Following the theme, students strive to visually explain their interpretation of how the Earth would be different in the year 3000. Each student’s interpretation of this theme is unique, contributing to a very creative and original exhibition.

Ashley Mokros, FAM education manager, said: “This is an exhibit I look forward to each year. The student talent is amazing. It is great to see new schools exhibiting with us.”

Established in 1975, the Freeport Art Museum shares the visual and performing arts with the people of northwest Illinois. FAM’s mission is to promote an understanding of art and culture through its collections, exhibitions and education.

FAM’s collection contains nearly 4,000 artifacts from all continents and all time periods, including ethnographic objects from Egypt, Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea; Pre-Columbian and Native American baskets and pottery; excellent 15th to 19th century European painting, prints and sculpture; and a significant collection of contemporary American prints, paintings and sculpture. FAM is partially supported by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

FAM is at 121 N. Harlem Ave., and is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday, and noon-5 p.m., Saturday. Tours may be scheduled by calling (815) 235-9755. Admission to FAM is free, although donations are accepted.