Student artwork displayed at Rockford Art Museum's 77th Annual Young Artist Show

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) -- The Rockford Art Museum’s Young Artist exhibit has turned the museum into an explosion of color and playfulness as it displays hundreds of pieces made by local young artists.

The 77th Annual Young Artist Show kicked off Sunday at the Rockford Art Museum. Nearly 400 pieces of artwork are displayed all around the museum from paintings and drawings to sculptures. The art comes from more than 65 schools in Winnebago County made by kids from kindergarten through 8th grade. Art teachers from the various schools submit the works to the art museum who then selected 9 winners who received an art kit to continue their creativity at home.

"This is one of our longest traditions and it's a great way that we can serve the community. It's a large area of the community that frequently isn't at the museum so it's a wonderful outreach program that we have and a real testament to the strength and diversity of the art programs we have in the area,” said education coordinator for the Rockford Art Museum Tracey Redding.

Rockford Art Museum says this show is great platform for students to be able to show off their skills and feel special with their work on display. The exhibit will be on view at the museum until May 6th.