Mount Airy High School’s art students have taken over the first floor of the school.

The students’ art work is on display in the hallway and in the art room for the public this week. An opening reception Tuesday night helped to kick off the event which will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. the rest of this week.

From first year art students through AP art students, some of their best work from this year is on display. For the students, the show is a chance to let other people see their work. For the public, it is a chance to see the talent at the high school.

“It just builds their confidence when they get to hear positive comments from people they don’t see every day. It reassures and strengthens their talent,” said Keenia Beck, the school’s art teacher. “I’m very proud of the students and how everything is so individualized. I structure the program so they’re able to do that.”

“I love it,” said Haley McKinney, an AP art student, of having an art show. “I love that we’re able to display our art. It gives us a chance to feel proud.”

The work on display ranges from watercolor to colored pencil to photography. The students get the chance to try their hand at many different techniques so they can find their favorite.

“I love chalk pastels and oil paints. I use prismacolor which is a variety of colored pencil and chalk pastels,” said Rachel Harris, an AP art student. “Prismacolor allows for vibrancy and pop without having to worry about smudges.”

“It’s really loose and really free,” said McKinney of watercolor, her favorite technique. “I can move really quickly with it and I can get my expressions out as I feel them.”

Art class provides an outlet for students to express themselves. The environment created in an art class allows students to work outside the box in an atmosphere that is different from a traditional classroom.

“Art gives me the opportunity to not be restricted by the confines of a typical classroom setting. You get more opportunities to work independently especially once you get to AP,” said Harris. “You get a concentration and you stick with it and build on it. You really come to understand you can take one concept and expand it in ways you wouldn’t think.”

“I really like being able to have my expressive outlet and being able to open up. It’s a very open environment,” said McKinney. “I always thought of (art class) as an oasis. The art room is where you can open up and be expressive and free.”

Students feel that the art program at the school has given them an appreciation of different types of art. They feel they have built a strong foundation and many hope to pursue art in some way after high school.

“Ms. Beck has given me a very strong foundation in terms of establishing me at this level. She allows for our individual creativity to show. I hope it will help me at the next level in college,” said Harris who hopes to continue taking art classes in college.

McKinney is attending the Savannah College of Art and Design in the fall.

To visit the school’s art show, check in at the main office before heading down to the first floor of the school.