Students at Palatine High School are celebrating Women’s History Month in a creative and personal way. Nearly 200 students transformed various clothing items into artistic expressions of their inspirations and experiences. The project encouraged painting and designing wearable art on jackets, jeans, tote bags and other clothing items, using their own ideas to honor the achievements of women who have shaped their lives, and reflect on their own ambitions.

This is the fourth year Palatine art teacher K Lange has organized an exhibition, and the first year the pieces have been clothing. The art pieces are created during students’ free time, so they don’t have the time constraints of only one or two class periods to create.

“The purpose of having these pieces on display in main areas of the school are to serve as daily reminders of Women’s History Month,” Lange said, noting students’ excitement and energy.

Palatine Senior Elena Lyons credits her future goals and aspirations for her artwork.

“My favorite part is when we all got back from looking at our pieces and shared what each one means to us,” said Lyons, who used a scrub top as her canvas and decorated it with double helixes to represent her career trajectory toward nursing. “Each art piece is unique and showcases personal growth.” 

Sophomore Zimrah Aneel looked toward her family for her creativity. 

“My piece revolves around florals, since plants are a big part of my family,” Aneel said”The women in my family inspired me, and this piece is about growth as well.” Zimrah also reflected on the idea that art brings people together and said it makes an impact in the school.

Student Clara Abdelsayed also used flowers and plants as inspiration, but had a different meaning behind her work. 

“I don’t want to dwell on the past and forget to look towards the future,” she said. “When you plant a flower, you don’t usually think about how it got there, but instead of how you will nurture it and keep it growing. I feel the same way about nurturing oneself.” 

Her designed shirt has the words “Do it for yourself” included with other artistic elements.

 This exhibition will be displayed in the halls of Palatine High School throughout March.