Curious about how Albuquerque students express their art? The Albuquerque Public School (APS) Visual and Performing Arts department sponsors another event to showcase the creativity of young artists.
The Metro Youth Art Exhibit spotlights 1,200 samples of APS middle and high school visual students this April. Every APS middle and high school is represented at the juried art exhibit, the highest participation in its history.
Metro launched with a Preview Merit Night on April 7. Donors, community partners, administrators and teachers viewed the works, and selected pieces to receive merit and purchase awards.
The show officially opened on April 8 and runs through April 28. It will close with an awards ceremony, live music, and reception for the students and their families.
Awards Await Young Artists
Experienced artists and educators serve as jurors in their respective categories. Additionally, high school art teachers select advanced art students to evaluate entries. These students choose one piece in each category for the Students’ Choice Award.
Organizers will present ribbons for first through third place in each category and for honorable mentions.
The City of Albuquerque Public Arts Program will continue its tradition of purchasing several pieces from the show. These selected works will join the city’s permanent public art collection. Bernalillo County also selects some pieces for their permanent collection.
Meanwhile, UNM Art, Frank Frost Photography, and NM United will each award a scholarship to a high school senior.
The APS Berna Facio Professional Development Complex at 3315 Louisiana Blvd. NE will host the exhibit. The display is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visitors can view the exhibit from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 11 and April 18.
On April 18, community partners Sandia Federal Credit Union will be present. They will also offer Merit Awards to student artists. The exhibit is free and open to the public.