(L-R) Alayna and Sophie were excited to see and talk about their artistic creations during the SIUE Early Childhood Center’s Art Exhibit. (Photo courtesy of SIUE)

The artistic creations of students from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Early Childhood Center (ECC) are on display at the Annual Children’s Art Exhibit this week.

The public is invited to admire the children’s creative works in the Morris University Center through noon on Friday, April 27.

The exhibit is in connection with the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child. The purpose of the Week of the Young Child™ is to focus attention on the needs of young children and their families, and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

“It is incredibly important for the world to see even young children as capable beings,” said Sheri Rallo, teacher in the ECC’s Meadow Room. “It is our hope that this shines through when viewing the children’s art.”

Some of the artists’ creations include clay mosaics, golf ball and pinecone art, bubble wrap paintings, a Busy Tree sculpture, 3D hanging art, ink tiles, botanical watercolor illustrations, mixed media projects and more. Mixed in with the artwork are wall posters that advocate for children’s rights.

(L-R) Henry, Willow, Norah, Wyatt and Judah gaze at beautiful bird artwork during the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Early Childhood Center’s eighth Annual Art Exhibit. (Photo courtesy of SIUE)

“The ink tiles are my favorite,” said Jace, 5. “I like to paint and get messy.”

Four-year-old Willow looked around the colorful display pointing out primary and secondary colors. “Everything is beautiful,” she said. “I like drawing the most.”

“At the Early Childhood Center, we believe that what our children do with materials and mediums is not regarded as just art per se, because we view the children’s use of many mediums is not a separate part of the curriculum, but an inseparable, integral part of the whole cognitive/symbolic expression involved in the process of learning,” said ECC Director Rebecca Dabbs MacLean.

The ECC offers early childhood care and education for children ages two through five. For more information, visit siue.edu/earlychildhood/.

—  Children show off creativity at annual SIUE art exhibit —-