Art gallery to display student’s work

The Lancaster Academy of the Visual and Performing Arts presents the “Academy Senior Student Exhibition,” which will feature more than 100 artworks by 15 Lancaster High School seniors. Spectators are welcome to attend the opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, at 11 West Main St., in the Village of Lancaster.

Three years ago, Lancaster High School began its Academy of Visual and Performing Arts. This year’s seniors are the first graduating class from the academy.  The academy has encouraged in-depth participation in the arts. Students in the academy have welcomed guest speakers to Lancaster and attended concerts, theatrical performances, and art shows. 

Students in the academy have also had the opportunity to take special exclusive classes that have focused on team-building, creative problem solving, and exploring careers in the arts. All of the skills students have attained are put to use in their Senior Projects class in which students design, create and display their own independent projects.  
With help from academy students of all grades, Lancaster seniors have transformed an empty storefront into a temporary gallery space. This show on May 4 is the end result of a full semester’s worth of work and planning, both in school and at home.  

“The goal of the Senior Exhibition Gallery is to create awareness of the arts in our community and to show appreciation for the incredible support that the Lancaster community has provided for our schools.  Though temporary, this gallery is the first vital step towards establishing a permanent art gallery in the heart of Lancaster, which will grow to become a must-see destination for visitors to Lancaster,” remarked Art Academy Senior Projects Teacher Brett Miller. 
Light refreshments will be served and live music will be performed by Lancaster High School’s string quartet during the opening reception. 

Additional gallery hours include: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 5, Tuesday, May 10, Thursday, May 12, Tuesday, May 17, Tuesday, May 24, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Admission is free. 

For additional information contact, Lancaster High School Visual Arts Academy Advisor Ken Hawley at khawley@lancaster.wnyric.org or Miller at bmiller@lancaster.wnyric.org, or brettnmiller@hotmail.com,  or 686-3276.