Shadow Boxes to be Installed at Belleville East High School
[Belleville, IL, May 16, 2025] – Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd. (MMR) is honored to sponsor Art on the Square’s High School Sculpture in the City program. The program was launched in 2011, and since that time, MMR and Art on the Square have formed a partnership to sustain its impact on the area. The High School Sculpture in the City program gives local high school art students the opportunity to work alongside a nationally recognized sculptor. The goal is to foster creativity, promote artistic expression, and enrich the community through meaningful collaboration.
Artist Amy Koch, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, has been working with art students at Belleville East High School and art teachers to create one-of-a-kind artwork for the city of Belleville. Koch is best known for her award-winning mixed media art and creating whimsical shadow boxes with paper and fabric. She recently led Belleville East students in collaboration with art teacher Candice Santos in the production of three shadow boxes titled “The World Is Yours to Discover – Land, Sea, and Sky.”
Students constructed and painted three large shadow boxes using thematic colors and incorporating a wide variety of materials and techniques, such as paper quilling, to bring their scenes to life. The theme encouraged students to design imaginative compositions that inspired them personally. Materials like sticks and tree bark, wallpaper, cardboard, yarn, and crushed CDs showcased the students’ boundless creativity.
“My work is to show students that inspiration is everywhere and to encourage them to explore our world with wonder and delight!” said Koch.
Amy began her art career in St. Louis, participating in her first art show in 1996 with polymer clay. In 2014, she shifted her focus to recycled materials, especially paper, and began inventing unconventional and unique techniques. Her playful imagination shines through her work; her creativity is exciting, and her use of simple materials is both seamless and captivating.
As the official sponsor of the program, MMR is proud to help create such a unique experience for local high school students. Patrick B. Mathis, shareholder of MMR, commented, “Our firm is very proud of this program and how it has evolved over the years. It has given us an opportunity to give back to the students, their schools, and our community.” Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd. is a proud supporter of the arts and strives to improve art education by increasing their involvement within the local fine arts community.
On Friday, May 16th, the opening night of the 23rd annual Art on the Square, Arist Amy Koch and Belleville East High School students unveiled their artwork at the steps of the St. Clair County Courthouse. Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd. shareholders, the Art on the Square Committee, City of Belleville Officials, Belleville East High School student representatives, faculty, and many others attended the unveiling.
“The World Is Yours to Discover – Land, Sea, and Sky” was enjoyed by Art on the Square’s guests throughout the beautiful weekend and is set to be permanently installed on Belleville East High School’s campus for students, faculty, and the community to enjoy.
Over 100 accomplished artists from over 30 states were present at this year’s annual Art on the Square. Paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and more filled the streets of Downtown Belleville creating a beautiful scene for the local community and artists alike.
