Western Carolina University will celebrate the artwork of local students with the 2012 Jackson County Youth Art Month exhibit from April 9-27 in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center.

The college will hold a reception from 2-3 p.m. on April 15 in the north hallway of the center. The event is free and the public is invited.

The exhibition will include the artwork of more than 400 Jackson County students from kindergarten through the 12th grade.

“Jackson County is fortunate to have an art teacher in each of its public schools who educates students in the history and aesthetics of art-making and gives them opportunities to critically analyze the meaning of art in their daily lives,” said Erin Tapley, event coordinator and associate professor of art education.

Participating schools will include Cullowhee Valley School, Blue Ridge School, Fairview Elementary School, Summit Charter School, Smokey Mountain High School, Scotts Creek School, Smokey Mountain Elementary School and Sylva Alternative School.

The Bardo Arts Center is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. every weekday.

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