Student Show Now On Display

Young artists are taking over the Art Downtown Gallery … at least for a few weeks!

Student artwork from 10 local schools fills Art Downtown, the gallery of the Hanover Area Arts Guild, through March 23.

The 37th Annual School Student Show features two- and three-dimensional work by middle and high school students. The artwork is selected by the art teachers for inclusion in the show.

Eric Miller, who organizes the show for the Arts Guild, said it’s always high quality work.

“The art teachers have always challenged their students to explore new subjects and try different methods,” he said. “But, of course, you’ll still see the basics represented in the show, too. It’s a nice mix and a broad spectrum of art subjects, styles and media. It really showcases the students’ talents and imagination.”

Even so, it’s the human aspect of the event Miller finds important, something that is evident every year at the reception.

“It’s a family event as much as a school art event,” Miller explained. “Lots of families come in to see their children’s work,” he said, adding that for many students, it might be the only time their artwork will be displayed in a gallery. “That’s what I like best about this show and the reception,” the former teacher continued. “It’s exciting for the kids to have their work shown in a gallery, and it’s something that families can enjoy together.”

A reception is set for 1-3 p.m. Sunday, March 11, at Art Downtown, 32 Carlisle St., Hanover.

The three-week show is a highlight of the year for the Arts Guild, said Miller, who has been involved in its organization since it started 37 years ago.

“It’s one way the Arts Guild fulfills its mission of bringing art to the community, and it’s also an effort to support the local school art programs and to encourage their kids to keep making art,” he explained.

Schools participating in the show are Hanover High and Middle schools; South Western High School and E.H. Markle

Intermediate School; Bermudian Springs High and Middle schools; New Oxford High and Middle schools; Spring Grove Area High School; and Fairfield High School.

The exhibit continues through March 23 and can be seen during regular gallery hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. The gallery is always free.