With a full house of families, teachers and students from across east-central Illinois, the Tarble Arts Center opened “Art from Here” on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.

The annual exhibition had art on display from elementary, middle and high school students including sketches, paintings and ceramics. Around 500 people were in attendance. 

“It feels cool to see it in person and everything,” said Arcola High School senior Damian Saldivar. 

Saldivar made a collage called “Untitled” and said he was proud of his work. 

“It was a fun experience when creating it,” Saldivar said. “I was inspired by a [Jean-Michel] Basquiat documentary, and I just started coming up with ideas.” 

As guests walked in, they were greeted by the Tarble student staff and an ice cream bar alongside signs listing different schools and students that were being featured. 

These schools included Charleston High School, Ashmore Elementary School, Lovington Grade School and more. 

Cumberland High School freshman Kaelin Edwards had her sketch featured at the event. 

“It feels good seeing my drawing on the wall along with others,” said Edwards. 

Around 5:30, Exhibitions and Collection Manager Gisela Alvarez gathered everyone’s attention to thank people for coming as well as to congratulate the students that had a chance to express themselves with their projects. 

“Our goal for students is to teach them as much as possible so they can go on and use these skills in their future careers,” said Alvarez. “All of the work you saw today was done by students.” 

After Alvarez’s speech, student staff member at the Tarble Christine John took the stage and announced the featured schools with students, teachers and parents coming up to take photos. 

Certificates were also handed out to the students after the pictures were taken. 

The event began to die down around 6 p.m. as people exited Tarble with smiles on their faces. 

Alvarez said she was pleased with the event turnout, as she had never done something like this before. 

“There is something about young people that create art without any kind of limitations or any worrying,” said Alvarez. “It was great to see the arts thrive in the young community.” 

She encouraged those who are afraid and not confident in the art they make to keep going, saying they would eventually find the niche that’s best suits them. 

“Art from Here” will be on display at Tarble from Feb. 7 to March 14. 

Koria Downs can be reached at 581-2812 or at kdowns@eiu.edu.