After a long cold winter it’s time to warm up with the creative embers of Tyrone High School’s very talented student artists. They’ve been sketching, sculpting and painting all year long and it’s now time to show off their work at the 18^th Annual Tyrone Art Show.

There will be over 100 works on display with first through fifth place and 8 merit awards being announced along with awards for creativity, outstanding senior artist and artistic achievement.

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.

“It’s a great way to show off your talents,” said sophomore artist Lindsay Fusco.

“It will be interesting to see how other artists view the world and to see their perspectives through their art,” added senior artist Logan Peale.

Some students see the exhibition as an opportunity to improve their skills.

“I’m excited to hear what people have to say about my artwork,” said junior Kolby Cowher.

Sophomore Megan Dale adds, “I look forward to the comments of others about my work because it helps me to improve as an artist.”

Viewers will have the opportunity to “play juror” and vote for their favorite artwork from each grade.  The “People’s Choice” awards will be revealed during the school’s morning announcements and posted on the Tyrone Eagle Eye News website following the art show.

This year’s juror is Zack Rackovan, an accomplished designer from Tyrone. Zack received his industrial design degree from Auburn University. He has designed products, graphics and signage for larger brands such as Kenroy Lighting, Hunter Fan Company, Urban Outfitters, Sheetz, GNC, Hershey Company, Kaiser Permanente, and Miracle Recreation as well as many smaller businesses.

“God blessed me with a creative drive.” says Rackovan, “I love the challenge of being given a design problem that needs an answer, and I get a lot of satisfaction out of seeing those design solutions come to fruition. I enjoy working with clients big and small to help them achieve their vision.”

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.

Each year hundreds of family members and friends of the exhibitors come to support and encourage them. In addition, many of those in attendance will be teachers of the young artists who relish the opportunity to see a different side of the students they teach.

“I enjoy going to see the artwork of the students I teach. It’s always surprising and rewarding to see how artistically talented they are,” said Tyrone physics instructor Brian Gruber.

Many who plan to attend the event, like Agriculture instructor Tiffany Hoy, believe it’s an important motivating factor for the student artists who participate.

“I think the art show motivates many students to use their minds in a different way. It triggers the use of thinking skills that are not always utilized in other classes,” said Hoy.

The TAHS Annual Art Show will be on display in the auditorium lobby at the spring band concert on April 19^th from 7 to 9 p.m. The public is invited to view the art and attend the awards presentation on Friday, April 20^th from 2 to 3 p.m. in the high school auditorium.  The show will be open until 4:00 pm the day of the show.  Admission is free.