Youth exhibit hopes to connect community
Staff writer
Marion Historical Museum is turning to its youngest patrons to help tell the story of the community and, in the process, draw new families through its doors.
A youth art exhibition and sale planned for this summer will invite students to create pieces inspired by people, places, and experiences that have shaped them or reflect what makes their community meaningful.
The goal is twofold, director Alecia Stuchlik said. She wants to give students a platform to share their work and help them see their place in the community’s story.
“It is our hope to give youth an opportunity to showcase their artistic talent to the wider community and get them interested in Marion’s history,” she said.
The exhibit, titled “Moments that Made Me,” will be tied to a broader museum effort connected to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. A companion display will explore how everyday lives contribute to larger historical moments.
The idea that history is shaped not just by major events but by ordinary people is central to both exhibits, Stuchlik said.
“Behind every national moment or local moment sits a host of ordinary lives quietly working behind the scenes,” she said.
By focusing on personal stories, the museum hopes students will begin to see themselves as part of that narrative.
The event also is designed to bring in families who may not have visited before. It is common to hear from longtime residents who have never stepped inside, Stuchlik said.
“We want to curate curiosity about the museum with this exhibit and draw in families by featuring their children’s artwork,” she said.
The project comes as the museum works to rebuild engagement after years of leadership turnover. Stuchlik is the fourth director in the past decade.
In addition to displaying the artwork, the museum plans a silent auction. Students whose work is purchased will see firsthand that their creativity has value, Stuchlik said.
“When students see their artwork displayed and possibly purchased by people in their community, they learn that their creativity has value and their voice matters,” she said.
Early response has been encouraging, with support from the museum board and coordination underway with local schools. Stuchlik plans to visit classrooms and distribute flyers to encourage participation.
The exhibit will run from Memorial Day through a summer children’s theater performance, with the broader historical display continuing through September.
Students must submit intent-to-enter forms by April 10, with final artwork due May 16. A $10 fee covers the cost of a T-shirt. Additional information is available through the museum.
“At the end of the day, the Marion Historical Museum doesn’t have just artifacts and old things,” Stuchlik said. “It also holds the stories of the people and events that have made Marion what it is today.”