This past week, California State University, Stanislaus’ Art Gallery added over 250 rare pieces for the latest exhibit showcasing the works of local high school students. The Annual Regional High School Art Show features the work of various high schools in Stanislaus County and will end April 20.
The University Art Gallery started in 1985 by regional instructors, Bob Dennison and Ann Williams-Bailey.  For many years this annual exhibition was held at the Carnegie Arts Center which was severely damaged by a fire in 2005. Due to their efforts, CSU Stanislaus is now host to works of art by students within the Stanislaus County region annually. The art show benefits the students because it allows them the opportunity to show their work and interact with faculty and other students on campus.
Throughout the years the art show has grown and features hundreds of pieces that represent about 12 schools within the Stanislaus County region.
“It [Annual Regional High School Art Show] provides an avenue for students to express themselves and connect with their peers through personal growth and cooperative learning experiences,” Pitman High School art teacher Larry DeTomasi said in a news release. “The show also gives us local art teachers an opportunity to connect with our peers and share new ideas in art education.”
The exhibition ends on Friday evening with an artist’s reception and presentation of award starting at 5:30 p.m. Students will be awarded prizes in the following categories: Sculpture, Ceramics, Color Drawing, Black & White Drawing, Mixed Media, Painting, Digital Arts and Photography. There will also be a scholarship awarded to the winner of the Best of Show award according to the University Art Gallery. The exhibition is free and open to the public.
“This show represents so much more than the raw talents of the youth in our community,” DeTomasi said.
For more information about the exhibition contact Dean De Cocker at CSU Stanislaus at (209) 667-3186 or [email protected].