Budding artists on display at center

The Johnson Center for the Arts is teeming with the artwork of budding young artists who are excited to have their work hanging in such a place of honor.

Pam Smith, Charles Henderson High School art teacher, said on behalf of the students, she would like to thank the Johnson Center for allowing the students’ artwork to be exhibited there.

“It is an honor for them to have their work exhibited at the Johnson Center because it gives their exhibits more of a museum feel,” she said. “And, because there is also an exhibition featuring professional artists, it gives the students a chance to see their work as well.”

Two student exhibitions are featured at the Johnson Center through TroyFest April 28 and 29. The Senior Art Exhibition features the senior students in Art 2, 3, 4 and Advanced Placement classes at Charles Henderson High School. The exhibition is hanging in the back section of the Johnson Center upper gallery.

“We have 31 students whose work is on display for the Senior show,” Smith said. “We also have Thomas Graning’s exhibit. Thomas is the winner of the 2012 Jean Lake Art Scholarship.

“All of these students will be recognized during the senior awards program at 6 p.m. Monday, April 23, at the Johnson Center. They are members of the National Art Honor Society and each of them will wear an honor cord during graduation ceremonies. We are extremely proud of all of them.”

In the side gallery of the Center’s upper level are the entries in the TroyFest Student Art Competition.

“This competition is open to art students all around the county,” Smith said. “It is divided into different age divisions – K through two, three through five, six through eight, nine through 10, and 11 through 12 and also in different categories – drawings, paintings, mixed media painting, sculpture and print making. Two categories – computer design and photography – are added in the 11-12 grade division.”

First, second and third awards are presented in the different categories and a winner is chosen as “Best of Show” in each of the five age divisions.

“The teachers of the winners in each of the age divisions will receive $100 to be used to purchase art supplies for her classroom,” Smith said.

“The public is encouraged to visit the Johnson Center for the Arts and see the outstanding work of these young artists exhibit during regular gallery hours or during TroyFest.

The Johnson Center for the Arts is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free.