Waukegan library honors students and their artwork; ‘There is really amazing creativity and originality'

Chicago Tribune

01-05-2025

Emma Garza is a fifth grader at Clearview Elementary School in Waukegan who sees herself as both ferocious and sweet. Her entry in the Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Elementary School Art Show reflected that.
Made with pipe cleaners, foil, beads, hard candies and other materials on a small aluminum pan backing, Emma pointed to each element of her entry in the show, describing what it was and how it fit her personality.
'On the top is a lady lion,' she said Monday at a reception for those selected to be in the show. 'On the bottom is a butterfly. It reminds me of me because sometimes I can be ferocious, and sometimes I can be sweet.'
Emma's creation was one of more than 250 art projects selected over the school year by District 60 elementary school art teachers that were displayed throughout April at the Waukegan Public Library.
Lori Masimo, the district's K-12 fine arts coordinator, said elementary school art teachers watch throughout the year for student art they want to put in the show. In March, they start to assemble the creations targeted for display. All participants received a certificate.
'They put them in a folder and provide a reason for (not letting) the student take it home,' Masino said. 'This goes on all year. Sometimes, it tells a story.'
Tiffany Verzani, the library's executive director, said the library is happy to provide a gallery for student art. It is displayed in a variety of locations on the main floor. People regularly stop to gaze at the display.
'The library is thrilled to be a location for the schools' artists,' Verzani said. 'There is really amazing creativity and originality. It shows the dedication of the teachers. We have murals outside. We are part of the arts community in Waukegan. It is all inspiring for library visitors.'
Emma smiled as she described herself in her artwork. Her mother, Eliza Busanet, said she agreed with her daughter's self-assessment. She shows her ferocity when necessary, and is enjoyable to be around.
'She is fierce because she defends herself and her family,' Busanet said. 'She's gentle. She's mama's girl. She follows me around.'
Tarah Alley, an art teacher at Greenwood Elementary School, said a variety of elements go into selecting show entrants. Craftsmanship is part of the decision-making, and so does the messages the students give in their art.
'Art is a mirror reflection,' Alley said. 'We're also looking for growth. We want to celebrate that.'
As an art teacher at Clearview, Frances Fremault said she likes to watch youngsters grow as artists and people. She has taught some as kindergartners, and now sees the creativity they show by the time they get to fifth grade.
'Every year I see their growth, and I'm always amazed,' Fremault said.
Alexa Leon, a third-grade student at Clearview, said she 'put a lot of fluffy stuff' into her montage, as well as material representing hair. She was proud of the big eye in the middle.
Kaleb Valladares, a Glen Flora Elementary School third-grade student, said he likes dragons and made images relating to them a centerpiece of his artwork.
'That's a dragon's eye,' he said, pointing to it. 'I like reptiles, and dragons are reptiles.'