“This is annual exhibition that we do for area high school students. It was designed, so that students who may have an interest in exhibiting art can get their feet wet with it,” said Hilary Nauman, executive director of the Middletown Arts Center.
We have an entry process, where teens submit art, like they would if they were an adult. There is a $3 fee for each entry. Then, students prepare the work to be displayed, she said.
“We wanted to give the students an idea of what that process is like. It is a juried show, so we have a judge that chooses the awards that are given. This year, they are sponsored by Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff. We’ll be giving cash awards as well as some scholarships,” Nauman said.
The exhibition features two-dimensional artwork. Artists ages 13-18 within a 50-mile radius of Middletown participate in the exhibition and feature work that is done in a variety of mediums, including oils, acrylics, watercolor, drawing (including pastels and inks,) mixed media (a combination of mediums) and photography.
Students may submit work in more than one category. However, work must be original and never exhibited in a prior juried show at MAC.
Participants from West Chester, Springboro, Trenton, Edgewood, Hamilton, Middletown, Waynesville, and other surrounding communities have showcased their work in previous shows. The exhibition is also open to homeschooled students.
Last year, there were 103 entries from nine different area schools. One homeschool student also entered.
“The work is amazing. We see so many students, who are really talented. When you see some of the work, you’re shocked that the artists are still in high school. When they have such promise when they’re so young, you can’t wait to see what they’ll do,” Nauman said.
Typically, up to 100 pieces of art are represented in the exhibit. Participating youth have an opportunity to compete for cash awards, scholarships and honorable mention ribbons within each medium.
Many of the participants desire to pursue art as a career, and the exhibition gives them an opportunity to learn about how to be involved in a professional, judged and juried show.
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How to go
What: “Tomorrow’s Artist Today” exhibition
When: Feb. 25-March 23. Exhibits are open during regular building hours. Closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday (except for Saturday classes, if in session, and special events). An opening reception will be held from from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25.
Where: Exhibit Hall, Middletown Arts Center, 130 N. Verity Parkway, Middletown
Admission: Free
More info: www.middletownartscenter.com or call (513) 424-2417
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