To see the creations of some talented young artists in the area, visit the Schmidt Art Center at the Southwestern Illinois College Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave., for the annual High School Student and SWIC Student art exhibits.

The first exhibit will feature a collection of artwork created by local high school students from Thursday, March 22 through Thursday, April 5, ending that day at 5 p.m. The opening reception for the exhibit will take place March 22 from 6-8 p.m. SWIC awards will be presented during the reception; and the winners of Congressman Jerry Costello’s Congressional District Art Competition will be announced at 7 p.m.

The art center will transition to showcase art created by SWIC students April 19 through May 3. A reception for the SWIC Student Exhibit will take place the first night of the exhibit from 6-8 p.m. with an awards presentation at 7 p.m.

As part of this series, several events are planned. The first coming to the Schmidt this spring is a visit by performers from the St. Louis Symphony, who will perform music for piano, strings and brass instruments April 24 at 6:30 p.m.

Well-known regional poet Eugene Redmond will visit the Schmidt April 25 at 7 p.m. for an in-person reading of his latest work. The next event, featuring the musical duet of SWIC associate professor Diana Umali and St. Louis Community College adjunct professor Shelly Monier, Ph.D., will premier April 26 at 7 p.m.

Lastly, SWIC students will give a voice acting recital May 2 at 7 p.m.

The Schmidt Art Center is open Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m. Exhibits and performances are free and open to the public.

For more information, call 618-222-5278 or visit schmidtart.swic.edu.