Student artwork will be on display on the lower level of the Peter White Public Library throughout the month of May. (Journal photo by Annie Lippert)

MARQUETTE – This month the City of Marquette Arts and Culture center is celebrating student artists by displaying their work at Peter White Public Library. A reception will be held to recognize the artists from 6-8 p.m. on May 15 in the DEO gallery.

“Not only is the exhibit a delightful display of color and creativity, but it brings awareness to the visual arts programs that we are lucky to have in our public schools across Marquette County,” said Amelia Pruiett, communications and marketing coordinator for the Office of Arts and Culture. “While often thought of as a hobby, visual arts are a vital part of a formal education and should be recognized as important as math or science in preparing our youth for their future.”

The students being featured come from schools across Marquette County. Art from over 100 Gwinn, Negaunee, Ishpeming and Marquette 9-12th graders will be on display. The artwork spans a wide variety of genres, from portraits to collages, ceramics to comics and even quilts; each one of them specific to their corresponding artist. Several students have multiple entries in the show.

“Family, friends, and the community are all encouraged to join us 6-8pm in celebrating our local young artists,” said Pruiett. “The event is free to attend, light refreshments will be provided and the evening features awards and some remarks from the art teachers at 7pm. Awards are given by local visual arts organizations and individual artists to honor student work in a variety of categories such as best use of color or best body of work.”

By exhibiting student art, the City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center not only celebrates their creativity and success, but also gives their work exposure.

“The artwork displayed in this exhibit is not for sale, but many of the students participate in the Teen Mentorship program at Zero Degrees Gallery on Third Street which features a monthly guest student artist with a body of work for sale,” said Pruiett.

Pruiett stressed the importance of visual art programs for young people not only in terms of enjoyment, but in building skills and practices they will engage with for the rest of their lives. The high school art exhibit has been running for thirteen years now in part to highlight the important work art programs, teachers, and students do in the Marquette County community.

“Visual arts teach innovative communication skills and creative problem solving; skills needed in any career field a student may find themselves in,” said Pruiett. “Visual arts also offer an opportunity for self-expression and connection, a vital outlet for emotional health especially for teens as our nation faces a mental health crisis with rising rates of anxiety and depression.

“Community and parental support for visual arts classes in our local high school, as well as even more opportunities such as the Artists in Excellence program, is essential in nurturing well-rounded and confident members of our future generation.”

For more information, visit the City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center website at https://www.marquettemi.gov/departments/community-services/arts-and-culture/