North Sarasota County Schools Spring Art Show

Students from 29 local schools will exhibit their art

Students from 17 elementary, seven middle, and six high schools throughout Sarasota County will show off their creative talents May 10-21, at Art Center Sarasota. On Tuesday, May 17, the art center will stay open until 7 pm for families to view the exhibition.

Students in K-8th grades will be awarded "Best of the Best" recognition—approximately two awards per grade per school. High school students will have their work judged in 12 categories by arts educators. Winning artwork will be awarded first-, second- and third-place place ribbons.

High school students will be eligible for several large awards. State College of Florida is offering one full-year tuition scholarship. Ringling College of Art and Design is awarding two $10,000 scholarships. The college is also offering $325 scholarships to be applied toward teen concentration or pre-college courses at Ringling College.

Other awards include: A $100 Best in Show prize for a senior from Education Foundation of Sarasota County; two $100 prizes from Art Center Sarasota; a $100 prize from Art & Frame Sarasota; a $200 prize from the Sarasota Art Educators Association; and a $100 award from Arts Advocates.

A panel discussion, in collaboration with Sunshine from Darkness, a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to promoting mental health, takes place on May 20, 5-7 p.m. The discussion will explore the role art plays in the emotional wellbeing of young people. the panel will include Lisa Richardson, LMHC, an art therapist, and Amie Austin, a neuropsychologist. Art Center Sarasota’s education director, Jane Harris, will facilitate the discussion. Other panelists, details and registration information will be announced soon. The event is sponsored by the Lee and Bob Peterson Foundation/Sunshine From Darkness.