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Art lines Henry County Courthouse walls
MPCSD student art is currently displayed at the courthouse through most of March
MT. PLEASANT — The walls of the Henry County Courthouse currently display a wide-range of student artwork from all grade levels in Mt. Pleasant Community School District.
Different opinions and expressions take shape in the art displayed on all levels of the Henry County Courthouse. From three-dimensional creations on the first floor, to self portraits lining the stairs, to surreal images, and pop-art inspired images on the upper levels.
The primary theme for the entirety of the MPCSD art show consists of showcasing where students are in their journey with art.
“This is my life right now, a bunch of random unfocused styles and themes searching for the ideal,” Moroni Sanchez writes with his art display.
As seen through the displayed artwork and some explanations posted alongside them, not all MPCSD students resonate with art in the same way and their own experiences influence how they create and consume art.
“Art is crucial to the world,” Elaina Sallee said. “It conveys emotions that the author would otherwise be unable to express.”
Sallee says her most successful art media include ink, watercolor, and China marker for various reasons.
“Ink allows me to use the element of chaos. It releases part of me out that is otherwise trapped inside,” Sallee described with her artwork. “Watercolor is easy to blend, I enjoy the ease of color mixing and find it to be an elegant media to work with. China markers make me use my head, I can’t erase, blend easily, or cover up mistakes.”
For Sallee, art evolves as she grows frustrated, angry, or upset.
“I know when my piece is going well when I feel frustrated,” she said.
In contrast to Sallee’s experience with art, Rellana Van Deuren says the act of creating should relieve stress.
“I believe that the definition of Art should be fun and creative because art should relieve your stress, not cause it,” Rellana Van Deuren “When my art is going well, I know it because I feel at peace and don’t feel stressed. I also notice that my best work happens in the least amount of time because when things move smoothly, I don’t think about the way it looks too much and I end up liking it way more in the end.”
The student art show, which opened last Sunday, March 3, will remain on display at the Henry County Courthouse until March 27.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
