On June 26, Arts Alive concluded this year's highly anticipated Kids' Art Rocks! gallery show at Tibbits Opera House, showcasing the exceptional creativity and talent of student artists from our community. The reception honored the young artists and announced the winners of the lease program.

The juried exhibit featured over 150 pieces of artwork from students. Of these, 15 were chosen for the final lease program exhibit. They have been professionally framed and are available for lease by area businesses to display for one year.

Lease program winners feature students from preschool through high school. They are Addy Bucklin, Lucas Newberry, Naema G Ahmed and Jonathan Rodriguez from Legg Middle School; Aurora Noud from Jennings Elementary; Adam Chockley from St. Charles; Halayna Eveslage and Bushra Ahmed from Coldwater High School; Preston Bain from Union City Elementary; Emma Clark from Max Larsen Elementary; Tanner Paul from Quincy Middle School; Adalie Swieton Mayer from Bronson Jr/Sr High School; Kelsey Stuart from Anderson Elementary; and Jackson Shutts and Nora Rinehart from Ryan Elementary. 

The reception included an open-house style viewing and light refreshments for attendees. Awards and art supply giveaways were presented to young artists throughout the night. Artworks not selected for the lease program were available for immediate pickup following the event. "We encourage ongoing support for our young artists and invite the community to participate in upcoming gallery shows," added Tirsha Odisher, Audience Services Director at Tibbits Opera House.

"The Kids' Art Rocks! program continues to highlight the artistic achievements of our youth and strengthens community ties through art," said Matt Biolchini, Graphic Designer at Tibbits. "We extend our gratitude to all who attended the reception, where businesses had the first opportunity to choose artworks for display."

The gallery shows rotate approximately every three months in the lower level of Tibbits Opera House. There is no charge to view the gallery, which is open before and during all Tibbits events or by appointment Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Artists will participate in the upcoming exhibit titled “Nothing Rhymes With Orange” next. Details on gallery exhibits are available at Tibbits.org. Additionally, if your business is interested in leasing one of the showcased art pieces, please contact Tibbits Opera House at 517.278.6029, visit the administration office at 93 West Chicago St, or go to the website for more information.