Student-teacher art exhibit opens Feb. 21 in Sterling

STERLING — Woodlawn Arts Academy’s 16th annual Student-Teacher Art Exhibit opens Friday, Feb. 21.

An opening reception will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Woodlawn, 3807 Woodlawn Road, Sterling.

The exhibit will feature artwork by regional kindergarten through 12th grade students and their teachers, and is free to view. Artwork will be on display in the halls and lounge at Woodlawn through April 18, and the exhibit is open during regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays.

The public is welcome to vote on their favorite pieces during the opening reception as well as on Facebook for the first two weeks of the exhibit.

The top four vote-getters in each of three age categories will be featured in the academy’s Summer Arts Program Guide, which is mailed to 24,000 addresses in the Sauk Valley area.

Additionally, select pieces from the exhibit will be displayed as banners along the First Avenue Bridge between Sterling and Rock Falls, thanks to a partnership with the city of Sterling.

Winning and select other pieces from the 2024 Student-Teacher Art Exhibit have been erected on the bridge. They will remain on display for most of the calendar year.

Woodlawn Arts Academy is an agency of United Way of Whiteside and Lee counties, and financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Details on the academy’s programming and financial assistance applications are available in the academy office or on the website at www.woodlawnartsacademy.com. The academy’s programs are partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.