The exhibit highlights the artwork of junior and senior high school students in the Penn Yan, Dundee and Marcus Whitman school districts.  Professional artists take the time to jury the work on display and, with the support of the districts, award prizes for painting and drawing, three dimensional work and photography for each district with one overall “best in show” chosen as well.

The creative vision of high school and middle school students from around Yates County will once again be on display at the Arts Center from April 21 to May 2. The annual Student Show includes work from students at Penn Yan Middle School and Academy, Dundee Middle and High School and Marcus Whitman Middle and High School. Art teachers in all three districts work with students to identify their “best” work for the year and to prepare that work to be part of an exhibit in a professional gallery.

“This is always an exciting show for us,” says Arts Center Exhibits Committee chair Daryl Davis. “There are so many creative, talented young artists that are just beginning to explore different artistic mediums and develop their individual style. There is no doubt that some of these students will become successful professional artists.”

As part of the exhibit, the Arts Center invites professional artists in to view and judge the work. Awards are given for the strongest work from each school in two and three dimensional mediums as well as in photography and digital media.

“What’s particularly exciting about this exhibit,” says Arts Center Executive Director Kris Pearson, “is that every student involved in art classes or art clubs has work on display in this show. It celebrates everyone’s creativity. It’s also fascinating to see how each student interprets their assignments differently.”

Awards will be given at the Student Show opening reception on Friday, April 24 from 5 to 7 pm at the Arts Center. Area art teachers will be on hand, along with many of the student artists. The reception is free and open to the public.

(Many thanks to the participating districts for providing funds in support of the student awards.)