Visual and Performing Arts

The Visual and Performing Arts Department oversees the visual art, music, theatre, and dance programs of Marion County Public Schools. The Fine Arts are an essential part off the K-12 academic curriculum and a critical component of every child's education. The Fine Arts are academic subjects that also promote social and emotional development and civic engagement. The arts serve as a creative outlet that connects students to a larger world.  

Music, visual arts, theatre, and dance each contribute a great deal to the development of a variety of skills by students. There is a direct correlation between the arts and cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skills. With their strong emphasis on team building and self-reflection, the arts ignite students' interest in learning through collaboration, while fostering creativity and communication. 

Every elementary and secondary school in Marion County has a full time art and music educator. Our secondary schools also offer a variety of other performing arts courses. We currently have two arts magnet schools: Madison Street Academy (K-5) and West Port High School MCCA Program (9-12). 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our annual Marion High School All County Band concert will be held on Thursday, April 10th at 6:30 pm at the Reilly Arts Center. Admission is free to the public and will feature auditioned students from all of our Marion County High School Band programs. We hope to see you there! 

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The 2025 Young in Art: Student Art Exhibition is on display at the Appleton Museum of Art March 18, 2025- April 20, 2025. 

Students and their families are invited for an Open House on Saturday, April 12, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Elementary) and 2-4 p.m. (Secondary). During this time, the museum will be free for the student artists and their families to visit the museum and see their artwork on display.

Click here to see an album of photos from the exhibition.

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The 2025 Superintendent's Art Show, an annual exhibition featuring one work of art that represents the art program from each Marion County public school, will be on display at the Appleton Museum Cafe from April 15 - April 27, 2025. 

Hosted at the Appleton since 2018, this youth art exhibit features one work of art selected from each school and highlights artistic excellence across the county. An invite-only reception will take place on April 23, 5:30-8:30 pm for participating students and their families.