A new wave of student artwork is on display at the Janice Mason Art Museum, as the annual Trigg County Schools exhibit transitions into its final phase featuring middle and high school students.
The primary and intermediate school galleries wrapped up earlier this week, making way for the next portion of the exhibit, which will be installed Thursday and will remain on display through May 9.
Museum representative Lucy Oliver Kyler says the showcase continues to highlight the depth of artistic talent among local students.
“Thursday, they’re putting up the high school exhibit, and then Friday, we are rolling with the high schoolers,” Kyler said. “We’re having our artist reception Friday afternoon from four to six, and that display will be up until May 9th, so you’ll have a little more time to get in there and see that.”
The annual student exhibit has become a staple of the museum’s spring schedule, typically featuring work from kindergarten through 12th grade in rotating displays.
Kyler says each year brings a renewed appreciation for the creativity of local youth and the role the exhibit plays in connecting families to the arts.
“It is unreal the talent that we have at our school,” Kyler said. “I never had that artistic ability, so I am always in awe… I do have the appreciation for it, and I feel like a lot of our community members can do that as well.”
Because the exhibit features local students, Kyler says it often attracts visitors who may not otherwise think to visit the museum.
“It doesn’t cost anything to go to the Janice Mason Art Museum. All of our installations are free for those to visit,” she said. “I think it’s good to be able to bring a few more people in, and then they can see kind of what is offered and what’s going on down there.”
The museum, located on Main Street in downtown Cadiz, regularly rotates exhibits and hosts community programming, serving as a regional hub for arts and culture.
In addition to the student showcase, the museum is also hosting a special event this weekend as part of its “Arts and Eats” series.
“Saturday, we have Arts and Eats… and it’s going to be held at Fairholme… and the theme is Off to the Races,” Kyler said.
The “Arts and Eats” series offers themed events that combine art, food and local venues, including private homes and historic locations, giving attendees a more immersive cultural experience.
Kyler says beyond exhibits and events, the museum also offers art classes, a gift shop featuring locally made items and opportunities for community involvement.
“You know, a little more community involvement and getting people down there and just hanging out is good,” she said. “That’s what we want. We want people down there and seeing what they can see and what they can do as well.”
The Trigg County Schools exhibit is free and open to the public during regular museum hours.
