High School Art Show opens today

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Arts Center is packed with its most varied display of the year as this month’s featured exhibit is the annual High School Art Show.

The work of more than 60 artists from grades nine through 12 are being featured at the Arts Center in an exhibit that features paintings, pottery, photography, animation, sculptures, drawings, and more.

“People can expect a wide variety of different mediums,” said art teacher Tia McInroy. “Pretty much every class we have to offer, there’s work here from it.”

Along with having their art on display, some students will be recognized with awards as stand-out works will earn ribbons and honorable mentions.

Judging this year’s contest is Jamie Lewis, a long-time associate of the Arts Center who came in to examine each student’s work.

“There’s a plethora of talented kids at Charles City High School,” said Lewis. “Some of these kids have mastered some very difficult forms of art at a young age.”

Selecting winners across four mediums, along with dozens of honorable mentions, Lewis said he was happy for the opportunity to give students recognition for their talents.

“Artistic achievement is just as important as athletic achievement, but it doesn’t always get the same attention,” he said.

The community can view the work of the students throughout the month at the Arts Center, but many of the young artists will be on hand to personally present their collections during the opening reception on Friday, April 4, beginning at 5 p.m.

“Tia and Brian [Bohlen], the teachers, are doing an amazing job with these kids,” said Arts Center Director Emily Kiewel. “You really don’t want to miss the opportunity to see the artistic talent of the students.”