IC Elementary show showcases student artists

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The gymnasium at Immaculate Conception was filled with art this weekend as the school hosted its 4th Annual IC Art Show on Sunday, April 13.

Featuring more than 300 pieces from Pre-K through 6th grade IC students, the gymnasium was packed with drawings and paintings that demonstrated what the students have learned throughout the year.

“They all choose a piece that they’re really proud of,” said TAG teacher Jeanne Hansen.

Along with IC students, the art show also featured submissions from outside the school. Open submissions have always been allowed, but relatively few have taken the opportunity until this year.

“I’m so excited we finally have entries from other communities,” said Hansen. “We really wanted to open it up to the community and we’re really excited about people taking advantage of that.”

Growing every year, school staff started setting up for the show on Friday, lining hundreds of submissions around the gymnasium.

“We keep adding tack strips around the gym because we keep running out of space to put the work,” said Hansen.

Doors opened at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday with a line of families ready to come in and check out the art show. Refreshments were provided by the PTO and a book fair was open for kids looking to take home something to read.

As a special guest, IC alumni Nick Williams gave a presentation on pottery during the awards ceremony. Williams, now a senior at Charles City high school, currently has a selection of his own pottery work on display at the Charles City Arts Center.

While the most stand-out pieces were honored with awards, every submission received at least an honorable mention in recognition of the work’s best characteristic, such as use of color, imagination or line work.

“I love that the kids have the opportunity to be recognized for their strengths,” said Hansen.