For the first time since FHC has opened, the Art Department’s sculpture students’ work is being featured in an art show featuring only the original works of FHC students. The show is being held at the Lillian Youth Gallery (operated by Mr. and Mrs. Niswonger) in O’Fallon at the Winghaven Boardwalk across from Llywelyn’s Pub from Jan. 8 through Jan. 28. There will be an open-house reception on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at which all of the artists and their families are invited.

Mrs. Judy Switzer, the sculpture teacher here at FHC, organized the show.

“I was talking to [the Niswongers] about how my sculpture classes were really engaged in doing some pop art and we talked about it and thought it would be a really cool show,” Mrs. Switzer said.

Aside from the Fine Arts Festival that was revamped a few years ago (and will be returning this year on Feb. 1st), the art students don’t really have a place where they can publicly show off their talents. Mrs. Switzer wants to make things like this Sculpture Show are more readily available to her students.

“I would like to try to do more of these things. It’s one of my goals to teach like artists work, and artists work to show their work. Anybody who’s an artist is a bit of an exhibitionist; we want to show our work, and I think these kids are amazing,” explained Mrs. Switzer.

Senior Tommy Gianino’s popular House Fly sculpture will be one of many pieces featured at the sculpture show.

“It’s pretty much a giant house fly sitting in a gaming chair with a Playstation controller … he’s lounging,” said Gianino. “It’s exciting. Anytime I have a piece being featured anywhere it’s kind of a cool experience to go through.”

Once again, the show will be running from Jan. 8 through Jan. 28 at the Winghaven Boardwalk in O’Fallon and the open house is on Saturday from 1-3 p.m.