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Lebanon, New Hampshire - March 13, 2009
Art enthusiasts critique the covered walls at the AVA Gallery in Lebanon. Most of the pieces in this show are from high school students and they are all from teens who love art, like Matt Tripp who just graduated.
"It is a way to let myself go, it's freedom. No one can tell you what's right and what's wrong," he says.
With help from a long list of local sponsors, the gallery is putting on the show to show off some of the best high school artists in the Upper Valley.
"The younger artists don't really get the opportunity to show their work as much so we really wanted to create a space for them," explains Kiku Langford of the AVA Gallery.
Art teachers from the area school helped select the students, like a group from Thetford Academy.
"I'm kind of excited, I suppose, some of my friends are coming too so I think it will be fun," says Amika Flanagan of Thetford.
Scott Welch is from Hanover High.
"I'm a little nervous," he says, "because I have never shown my work before, but it not a whole big deal."
One of the show's goals is to keep art an active part of students' lives as they further their academic careers. But it is also a chance to find out what their peers are creating.
"I'm interested to see other people's work and to see how my own work compares to it," says Laura Koes, a junior.
Sculptures, photographs, and even poetry make up the show. All the pieces are inspired by young minds that often put art first.
"I really like being able to look at the world around me and being able to express it on paper," says Molly Mundy, a junior.
Students from 16 area schools will be taking part in the show and cash prizes will be handed out. Just an added incentive to get kids interested in the arts.
Adam Sullivan - WCAX News
