The Tyrone High School Art Department will host the 17th Annual Tyrone Art Show on Friday, April 21st from 2:00-4:30 pm in the TAHS auditorium. There will also be a preview of the show in the auditorium lobby at the spring band concert on April 20th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

Everyone who attended the spring musical production of “Beauty and the Beast” had already enjoyed the artistic skills of the TAHS art students. All of the set pieces and backdrops for the show were designed and created by the TAHS Visual Arts Department. But this is much more than a curtain call for these student artists who invested countless hours in the stunning artworks that will be on display. For them it is the culmination of a year’s worth of artistic production.

“I’m excited to enter my artwork alongside the artwork of my peers who put so much hard work and long hours into creating it during the school year,” said freshman artist Taylor Greene.

The show is a positive experience for student artists who thrive on its competitive nature or just enjoy the opportunity to see the artwork of their classmates.

“I look for forward to seeing the work of talented students who I really look up to,” said freshman Megan Dale.

Freshman Olivia Reese added, “I can’t wait to see which projects get awards. I also love to discover incredible artworks and then read the name tags to find out who created them.”

There will be approximately 100 works on display at this year’s show. This year’s juror is Apryl Sparr, a designer and art instructor from the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center. She will select first through fifth place awards and eight merit awards which will be announced at the awards ceremony on Friday. Additional awards for creativity and outstanding artistic achievements will be presented. Viewers of the show will have the opportunity to “play juror” and vote for their favorite artwork from each grade. These “People’s Choice” awards will be revealed during the school’s morning announcements following the art show.

The purpose of the show is to promote and celebrate the talents of the students and communicate the importance of the visual arts to the school and community.

Todd Cammarata, Social studies instructor at TAHS plans on viewing the exhibition.  According to Cammarata, “The talent we have at this school is just amazing. The students seem to outdo themselves every year with the artwork they are able to produce under Mr. Feather’s instruction. It’s thrilling to see all of the art on display together.”

Many who plan to attend the event believe it’s an important motivating factor for the student artists who participate.

“This show is such a great way to inspire kids to do their best,” says Health Services instructor Christie Taylor, “Some students just love to compete while others just love to hear the positive things their parents, peers and teachers have to say about their artwork. It’s such a great event for our community.”

The public is invited to attend the awards presentation on Friday, April 21st from 2 to 3 p.m. in the high school auditorium.  The show will stay open for public viewing until 4:30 p.m.