The artistic and musical talents of Chippewa Valley students of all ages will be on display at the Clinton-Macomb Public Library this week as the district hosts its 2012 Festival of the Arts.

Started more than two decades ago, the festival has not been held annually for the past several years, a trend Algonquin Middle School band director, Sue Casteel, hopes to break with the revival of the showcase this year. 

"A greater portion of population is involved in the arts and we want the public to see the wonderful work our kids do," Casteel said. "It's really nice for the general public to see and appreciate the artwork–and music–the schools produce."

Through Friday, patrons of the CMPL main branch will have an opportunity to view artwork produced by students in all 19 of the district’s schools as well as attend special musical performances featuring elementary and middle school groups on Wednesday and Thursday nights in the library auditorium.

"As an arts person I think it's really important that if any child is going to have a full education, it has to include culture," Casteel said. "Without that, there is no identity. The ability to create art and music is a huge necessity. We want to show how vibrant our arts program is right now."

The student art will remain on display during regular library hours through Friday. Both the show and musical performances are free and open to the public.

The CMPL main branch is located at 40900 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township.

Art Show Hours:

• Tuesday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Wednesday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Music Schedule:

Wednesday

• 6-6:15 p.m. – Cheyenne Elementary
• 6:15-6:30 p.m. – Cherokee Elementary
• 6:30-7 p.m. – Iroquois Middle School ensembles
• 7-7:30 p.m. – Huron Elementary
• 7:30-8 p.m. – Algonquin Middle School choir 

Thursday

• 6-6:30 p.m. – Algonquin Middle School ensembles
• 6:30-7 p.m. – Ojibwa Elementary
• 7-7:30 p.m. – Erie Elementary
• 7:30-8 p.m. – Shawnee Elementary