High school art

There are many ways Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus for the visual and performing arts has drawn in the wider community through performances and exhibits. The current high school art exhibition featuring the work of artists from 17 school districts throughout Southeast Missouri is a wonderful example.

The show is called "Exhibiting Excellence" and will be at the Greene Gallery in the Crisp Museum through March 7. On display are 102 juried works selected from 226 entered for the 32 annual show.

The show is sponsored by the Crisp Museum and the university's department of art. The best-of-show winner, Tess Colon of Central High School, receives a $1,500 scholarship to study art at Southeast.

If you go to see the exhibit, do not expect humdrum school art projects. On display are some bold and surprising pieces that reflect not only the creative genius of some obviously talented students, but also the guidance of the many art teachers who have found ways to interest young minds in artistic pursuits.

Hats off to all of the amazing artists and to the university for its sponsorship of such an important event in the lives of these student artists.