Art teachers from across Pinellas County Schools have been showing off their own paintings, sculptures and mixed-media pieces at the Clearwater Main Library since May. The free exhibition closes Thursday, July 24.

"The Courage to Create: Artists Inspiring Artists," organized by the Clearwater Arts Alliance and the Pinellas Art Education Association, features work made entirely by county art educators and staff. The show opened Monday, May 19.

Latonya Hicks, visual arts coordinator for Pinellas County Schools, told Fox 13 the exhibition is a "passion project" born from a simple problem: teachers pour so much energy into their classrooms that their own creative practice withers. Getting them back into the studio, Hicks said, refills their cup and makes them more excited to teach.

"I'm a teacher first, but I'm an art teacher because I'm an artist, and I do believe in practicing what you teach," said Salvatore James Gulino, a visual arts teacher in the district.

Gulino is one of multiple educators whose work hangs in the library's gallery. Fellow instructor Zach Thompson, also a Pinellas County Schools art teacher, said he felt proud walking through the show and seeing the range of his colleagues' talents. The pieces span paintings and sculptures to mixed-media work, some inspired by family history.

The district has promoted the exhibition through its newsroom and arts program page. The Pinellas County Schools Newsroom published a feature on the show on Thursday, April 10, and the district's visual arts page lists it among recent program highlights.

How to visit

The Clearwater Main Library Gallery is at 100 N. Osceola Ave. in downtown Clearwater, next to Coachman Park. Hours are Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. The gallery is closed Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, and artwork is available for purchase through clearwaterartsalliance.org.

The exhibition's final day is Thursday, July 24.