On Friday, February 15, AVA's named galleries quickly filled up with people of all ages. Some arrived by the yellow school bus-full. All came to celebrate the artists whose work was selected for the 11th Annual Best of the Upper Valley High School Exhibition.
Featuring 120 artists representing 13 different high schools in the Upper Valley, the exhibition is an impressive showcase of the breadth and depth of creative young talent in our region.
The gallery was tinged with anticipation as the artists, their teachers, families, and friends awaited the awards ceremony, announcing the winners and honorable mentions in each of 13 categories, from analog photography and painting to woodworking and wearable art.
Morgan Freeman, Native American Art Fellow at the Hood Museum of Art, juried this year's exhibition. Morgan encouraged participating artists to approach her after the award ceremony to discuss their work together. When Mila Pinigin, Exhibition Manager at AVA, asked for a round of applause for "all of the art teachers that made this event possible" the room erupted with cheers from students and families alike.
The show ends March 8, with a High School Art Portfolio Review Day from 10am–1pm. Come get lost in all of the talent!