Three shopping centers in the Village of Hoffman Estates — Fountain Crossing (Barrington Road and Lakewood Boulevard), Hoffman Plaza (east side of Roselle Road between Golf and Higgins roads) and Golf Center (west side of Roselle Road between Golf and Higgins roads) — are currently displaying artwork by student from high school districts 211 and 214.

The artwork includes paintings, sculptures and photography. Art teachers from the schools took photos of the artwork, and the images were transferred to large vinyl sheets and hung by a local sign company in vacant storefronts.

Three groups benefit from this new initiative:

– Schools: talented student artists get exposure and recognition for their art and for their school. The public can even purchase an 8 x 10 inch print for $30 from Divine Signs. The money from the sale of the artwork goes into a student art scholarship, less production and handling costs.

– Shopping centers: beautiful artwork (even lighted in the early evening at Hoffman Plaza and Golf Center) is featured in vacant storefront windows instead of a dark and empty space. Plus, relatives of student artists coming to view the artwork may end up doing some shopping.

– Customers: the "hidden" talent of the youth in the community is proudly on display. Customers don't need to spend a day in Chicago to appreciate art — they can experience it on their way to pick up eggs and ice cream. As one customer recently said, "This is great for the stores. Art makes me happy, and I like to shop when I'm happy."

If you would like to see student artwork in your shopping center (assuming there is an empty storefront), ask the center management to contact the Village's Economic Development Division at 847-781-2662.