For the first time, junior high and high school art students had the privilege this week of having their art displayed in the Miller Performing Arts Center.
The Show-Me Conference Art Show features work from nine Mid-Missouri schools, including Russellville, Eugene and St. Elizabeth. The pieces were set up April 1 and will remain on display through Monday.
At a reception Thursday, grandparents, parents, students and teachers walked the floor to see the students' work. Work was judged by artists with Jefferson City Art Club, including club President Janice Burgin.
"I just thought the work was amazing," Burgin said. "I was very impressed. I've never judged one of the high school shows before. It was very hard."
Cole R-1 K-8 art teacher Amy Potts was present to welcome families.
"Some of the pieces are done by students who really like art, and it encourages them to keep working hard," Potts said.
Eighth-grader Trinity Riggs' three-point perspective drawing of a small town hung among the middle school pencil projects.
Drawing a small town with a small population was fitting for her rural life in Russellville. The class assignment was to include 10 quadrilaterals. Her town, "Orcaville," featured shopping centers and her favorite place to eat, Burger Haus in California.
"In math you have a problem and everyone gets the same answer," Potts said. "In art you make 10 quadrilaterals and you get 10 different answers. That's what makes art really interesting."
Sixth-grader Cara Cinotto was inspired by the cacti in her home and school. She sketched a cactus from memory and was excited to see it displayed in the show.
Russellville art students placed in oil pastel, printmaking 3-D art, pencil and ink.
Eugene art teacher Rhonda Burkett submitted works for grades 7-12.
"The kids get excited, so it's always nice," Burkett said. "I try to mix it up a little bit as far as mediums."
Several students received first-, second- or third-place ribbons in pencil, charcoal, printmaking, crafts, mixed media, fibers and more.
The show is open to the public 1-4 p.m. today and Sunday and 4-7 p.m. Monday.
Best of show went to Ellie Redel Sharisin, first place; Kay Swyers, second place; and Chloe Hoecker, third place.