The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) now has a Storefront Art Gallery for the public to view outstanding artwork of Maryland's gifted students. The Gallery is located at the corner of West Baltimore and Liberty Streets.

The inaugural exhibit "These Shoes Were Made for Learning" showcases 12 decorated platform shoes designed by students from Pine Grove Elementary in Baltimore County. The shoes are wildly decorated, with themes ranging from "Monkeys in Paradise" to "Music in Nature." The fifth-grade students completed their projects during the 2006-2007 school year.

"I am so impressed by the wonderful talent exhibited by these young students. These students were given a shoe and used their creativity to transform them into fine contemporary art," said Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools. "Pine Grove Elementary School exemplifies how schools can integrate the arts into a rigorous academic program."

The nearly 100-year-old Nancy S. Grasmick State Education Building was once the Baltimore Bargain House, one of the largest wholesale houses in the United States. The first floor served as a storefront for the Bargain House in the thriving downtown marketplace. As part of the renaissance of the West Baltimore area, businesses are working to preserve the historic themes and landmarks. The Storefront Art Gallery occupies the space in a similar manner as it had been used in the past - showcasing the best visual artwork that Maryland students have to offer.

The Storefront Art Gallery will be updated monthly with artwork from K-12 students across the State. For more information, visit the MSDE web site link at Student Artwork.