ROME — Seeing their artwork on public display can be a real inspiration for student artists, said Rome City School District Art Teacher Coordinator Mary L. Kernan.

“It is important that students have an opportunity to see art on display outside of their school and home,” Kernan explained. “To see it on display in a professional art gallery right in our own community is very exciting and important. This also provides a wonderful cultural experience that will help to develop an appreciation for all the arts.”

The Rome City School District is celebrating Youth Art Month in March, with this year’s theme “Your Art, Your Voice.” There will be 43 select works of art created by Rome students in kindergarten through 12th grade showcased from March 3-31 at the Cinema Capitol Gallery, 230 W. Dominick St.

Those 43 artworks were chosen by the Rome art teachers.

“The art pieces were selected by the art teachers at their artistic discretion, based on the students’ effort and/or excitement for the arts,” Kernan said. “It can be a difficult decision to make due to the number of students. We have many opportunities to display art in our community during the school year.”

There will be an opening reception from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 3 at the gallery. The show is sponsored by the Rome Art Association and Rome Art Teachers.

Youth Art Month is commemorated annually in March, both celebrating and promoting arts and arts education across the country. Geared toward students of all ages, Youth Art Month was designed to emphasize the importance of visual arts for children.

Kernan is the coordinator of the art department including 11 art teachers throughout the district and an art teacher herself in Rome for 25 years. A native of Rome, she said she fondly recalls having her own art displayed at local banks as a youth.

She knows that art classes in schools are about much more than just drawing and painting.

“Art education in our schools is so essential,” Kernan said. “It is so much more than making art. It provides experiences for students to become more well rounded, creative and critical thinkers. These 21st century skills are naturally present in art classes and can be transferred to many other areas of life.”