DES MOINES — Art through the eyes of Iowa children will go on display at the State Historical Museum of Iowa Saturday, March 10 – just in time for Youth Art Month. The “Building Community Through Art” exhibit is organized by the Iowa Arts Council and Art Educators of Iowa and showcases artwork from K-12 students from several Iowa counties.

The artwork on display was chosen from nearly 500 entries, submitted by art teachers from across the state.

"The Youth Art Month show is a great opportunity to highlight and celebrate the talent of student artists from all across Iowa," said event organizer Christy Humpal with Art Educators of Iowa.

The artist whose work wins the best-of-show prize will receive $1,500 and art supplies from lead sponsor Sargent Art. That award and several others in three divisions -- for elementary, middle and high schools – will be announced during a closing celebration set for 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at the museum.

“This is a great chance to see how art education provides wonderful opportunities for our students,” said Jennie Knoebel, the arts learning manager for the Iowa Arts Council.

Organized on a national level by the Council for Art Education, Youth Art Month was established in 1961 to promote art education as a key element of a well-rounded education and a culturally literate society. It’s a way to show appreciation for arts educators and offers students a chance to display their creativity on a bigger platform – beyond the bounds of the family fridge.

At the Youth Art Month show “it’s fun to to see students see their own artwork on display,” Knoebel said. “For many of them, it’s a real eye-opening opportunity.”

“Building Community Through Art”

• WHEN: March 10-24. Regular visiting hours are 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and a closing celebration is set for 1:00-3:00 p.m. March 24
• WHERE: State Historical Museum of Iowa, 600 E. Locust St., Des Moines
• ADMISSION: Free
• MORE INFO:   www.artedia.org