Grease was the word for many weeks leading up to Tyrone Area High School’s spring musical in early April.  This was especially true for the art students who helped with constructing and painting the impressive scenery and set pieces.

“Once again the Art Department hit the set design out of the ballpark!” says Cummins McNitt, TAHS Economics teacher and ticket holder for the performance.  “What a great play.  It was a classic small town America theatre production with a first rate set design.”

Now, as the remaining set pieces are disassembled and packed away it’s time for Tyrone art students to ready their work for display at the 13^th Annual Tyrone High School Art Show.

The show will be on display in the auditorium lobby at the spring band concert on April 25^th from 7 to 9 p.m. The public is invited to attend the awards presentation on Friday, April 26^th from 2 to 3 p.m. in the high school auditorium.  The show will be open until 4:30pm the day of the show.  Admission is free.

This exhibit showcases the artistic talents of TAHS students.  The show is a positive experience for student artists who thrive on its competitive nature or just enjoy the opportunity to display their creations to the public.

“I’m excited to hear what people have to say about my artwork,” says Shawna Shawley, a 9^th grade student artist.

11^th grader Kylor Westbrook adds, “I look forward to the comments of others about my work because it helps me to improve as an artist.”

There will be approximately 100 works on display with first through fifth place awards being announced along with 8 merit awards.  Awards for outstanding artistic achievements will be presented as well.  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.

This year’s juror is a Tyrone native and no stranger to the school district’s art program.  Laurie Cave is a former artist-in-residence at TAHS and judged the art show in 2002.  Mrs. Cave heads the Art Department at Grier School where she has taught art for over two decades.  She has an extensive resume in the visual arts and theater.

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. Biology teachers, Kathy Holsinger and Amanda Lumadue both plan on viewing the exhibition.  According to Lumadue, “The art show gives me the chance to see a more creative side to the students I teach.”  Holsinger adds, “I’m always so delighted to see the artistic skills of these students.  Without the art show I would never know how talented they are!”

Many who plan to attend the event believe it’s an important motivating factor for the student artists who participate.  “I think the art show motivates many students who might not otherwise be recognized for their efforts.” says Cynthia Isenberg, Studyhall Supervisor.  “Not all of the students excel in academics or sports.  For these students the art show is an opportunity for them to be recognized for their achievements.”