MONROE — Four years ago, SSM Health Monroe Hospital and the Monroe Arts Center (MAC) held their last Student Artwork Open House. Two weeks later, in March of 2020, the world changed and the COVID-19 pandemic began. 

This past Tuesday night, Feb. 27, the Student Artwork Open House was hosted in the hospital lobby by SSM Health and the MAC. Art faculty in the Monroe School District, as well as St. Victor’s School, curated a special selection of artwork by area students featuring “Architecture” as the theme in 2024. Student artists from each grade, and every school in Monroe, are represented in the exhibition. 

Over 100 students and their family members attended the event to proudly show off their artwork. Parents and grandparents were all smiles as they took photos and congratulated them as featured artists in the exhibition.  

Chelsea Hardacre, Chief Nursing Officer for SSM Health Monroe Hospital and SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital-Janesville, provided remarks and welcomed the crowd. 

“This is such a wonderful partnership,” Hardacre said. “Art can assist in the healing process and provide a level of comfort to our patients. We’re so pleased to be able to welcome this event back to the hospital.” 

Families can find a list of student names and artwork locations within the hospital by inquiring at the Greeter Desk, contacting their student’s art teacher, or contacting the Monroe Arts Center.