March is Youth Art Month, as well as Music in Our Schools Month. There is much to be celebrated not only in March, but year-round with the talents of our Madison student artists and musicians.

There are several art displays and musical performances being held in the schools. The Doyle Administration Building also showcases student artwork and fine arts displays each month.

Beyond the district, several businesses have been gracious hosts of student art and music. Kessler's Diamonds, located on Junction Road, has displayed student artwork. Emian's Bakery, located on Monona Drive, is currently highlighting the artwork of Allis Elementary students. Owner Graciela Rojas stated that the customers have enjoyed seeing the art. Bakery employee Brianna Garren stated the artwork "gives the bakery a good vibe."

Other places to have hosted MMSD student artwork and performances include Hilldale Mall, Pinney Branch of the Madison Library, Overture Center for the Arts Gallery, and the Capitol Rotunda. Artwork from Mendota students has traveled to Cuba in an art exchange.

Future community artistic displays include two schools, Falk Elementary and West High, sharing student artwork for the Madison 150th year celebration at Monona Terrace.

Steep & Brew gallery on State Street will be sponsoring a March/April event showcasing student artwork. The Van Hise Xylophone Ensemble will be on tour to a local nursing home. Madison East "ENCORE" Show Choir will perform at the Madison Area Musicians Awards in late March.

The collaboration between the Madison arts community and MMSD continues with invitations for our students to participate in the Fine Arts Showcase at Madison Children's Museum in May.

These opportunities are valuable experiences for our students' artistic development as well as ways of providing the community with the sights and sounds of our district. We can be proud of our students and in the education they are receiving in the Madison School District.

Next time you visit a local business, take a look and listen to what surrounds you -- it might have been created by a Madison student.

Brianna Garren of Emian's Bakery enjoys the artwork provided by the students of Allis Elementary School.

This art display was provided by alumni of West High School for visitors of the Doyle Administration Building.

The East High School Choir was invited to perform for the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda.