Minerva student art showcased at Minerva Art Spot reception

Student artwork from Minerva High School and Middle School was showcased during a special reception April 10 at the Minerva Art Spot, continuing a long-standing tradition of highlighting young local artists.

The April exhibit features a variety of student pieces as part of the Art Spot’s monthly showcase, giving students an opportunity to display their work publicly and gain recognition within the community. The reception included a performance by the Minerva High School Chamber Choir.

Minerva High School art teacher Benjamin Miller, who is in his first year at the high school after previously teaching at the middle school, said the exhibit has been a staple for more than a decade.

“They’ve been doing this type of art exhibition for at least more than a decade,” Miller said. “We’re just carrying on the tradition, and we’re happy to be involved.”

Miller said approximately 29 high school students are represented in the show, with an additional 10 to 15 middle school students also contributing artwork. Most students have one to three pieces on display.

He noted that coordinating the exhibit can be a challenge at times, as student artwork is often featured in multiple shows throughout the county.

“Sometimes it gets a little challenging because the students’ artwork is also involved in other exhibitions,” he said. “It’s always a challenge to try to time when the artwork is at one show and then transition it to another.”

Despite those challenges, Miller said the opportunity for students to share their work with the public is invaluable.

“We think this is a wonderful gesture from the Art Spot to be able to give the students an opportunity to show off their work,” he said. “It also shows how artwork can be of value.”

The exhibit also highlights collaboration between the school district and local arts organizations, including the Minerva Art Spot and ArtsinStark.

Minerva Local Schools Superintendent Mark Scott said he is proud of the students and appreciative of the community’s support for the arts.

“I’m very proud of our talented artists and musicians,” Scott said. “We’re very fortunate to have such a wonderful community that supports the fine arts and performing arts in Minerva. Our partnership with ArtsinStark and the Minerva Art Spot is very much appreciated.”

Minerva Art Spot resident artist Marty Chapman said the student exhibit is one of the gallery’s favorite annual displays.

“We love having the students here,” Chapman said. “It’s great to see these budding artists showing their work and having fun doing it.”

Chapman said the Art Spot has hosted student exhibits like this for at least 10 years and looks forward to continuing the tradition each year.

The exhibit will remain on display at the Minerva Art Spot until early May.