CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Pictured left to right are judges Osmar Castro, Miguel Sanchez, Julie Bousum, Nicholas Beard and Nancy Adams.

The Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center, in partnership with the Marshalltown Community School District, invites the public to celebrate the creativity of the community’s youth at the 2nd annual Classical Splash Art Exhibit & Reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on April 17.

This unique and inspiring event brings to life the intersection of music and visual art. More than 780 5th- and 6th-grade students from the Marshalltown Community School District participated in this creative challenge. Each student began the journey with a live classical music performance by the Marshalltown High School Orchestra and a guided tour of the Fisher Art Museum for artistic inspiration. Using music as the muse, students created original artworks that reflect personal interpretations of the sound, sight and emotion they experienced.

From this pool of submissions, only 40 finalists, 20 from each grade level, were selected for the exhibition. Finalists were chosen through a two-tiered process led by Lenihan art instructor Nicholas Beard, followed by evaluation from a panel of local judges including artists and community leaders. These judges included Nancy Adams, professor of psychology and Marshalltown artist; Julie Bousum, art instructor and Marshalltown artist; Osmar Castro, senior at MHS and Marshalltown artist and Miguel Sanchez, owner of Print House and Marshalltown artist.

The public is invited to attend the Classical Splash Reception on April 17 at the Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center, 709 S. Center St.

• 5:30 p.m. – Finalist Artwork Viewing

• 6 p.m. – Live Orchestra Performance and Award Recognition

• 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Open Exhibit, Light Refreshments and Community Celebration

“This event is not just an art show, but it’s a celebration of creativity, youth voice and the impact of the arts to bring a community together,” said Kristine Kienzle, executive director of the MACC. “We are honored to spotlight the talents of our young artists and the incredible educators and community partners who support them.”

In addition to the reception, the exhibit will be open to the public for viewing on the following days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: April 9, April 10, April 11, April 16 and April 17.

Programs like Classical Splash provide students with more than just an artistic outlet, they foster self-expression, build confidence and offer a unique opportunity to explore how music and art can communicate powerful ideas and feelings.