A long-standing tradition continues at Art in the Loft where each spring students in schools throughout Northeast Michigan show off their creativity. For the 17th consecutive year, the Loft’s Young Artists Exhibit features artwork by students ranging from elementary school age through high school.

The exhibit is open now through April 28, with two open house receptions set for April 13 and April 20 from 6-8 p.m.

While many school districts today no longer have a dedicated art program in place, teachers don’t want their students to miss out on the opportunity to create and exhibit art in a professional gallery setting. Thanks to their efforts, more than 600 pieces from 21 different local schools are making a colorful statement inside the Loft.

“This year I really want to give a big thank-you to the teachers who participated,” said Brooke Stevens, Ready, Set, Create coordinator for the Loft. “I know the students put a lot of work into their pieces, but a lot of the schools no longer have an art program. These teachers have stepped up to keep this exhibit going. Not only did they take time out of their schedules to deliver the artworks, but they also matted and documented them.”

Stevens said these teachers willingly supplement what they are doing in the classroom with some art instruction to give the students an exposure to art. As with every year of the exhibit, she remains impressed by the quality of work done by the kids.

“We have a lot of elementary kids who as usual produced an amazing amount of colorful, no boundaries art,” Stevens said. “The junior high and high school students have done a lot of wonderful drawing and pencil work and paintings. From all ages, we are seeing wonderful sculptures and three-dimensional work.”

Members of the public get the opportunity to pick People’s Choice Awards during the course of the exhibit by casting votes for $1 each. People can vote as many times as they want, with first, second and third place winners selected in three grade levels: K-5, 6-8 and 9-12.

“People can vote as many times as they want,” Stevens said. “It’s all in the name of supporting the gallery and giving the students credit for their hard work.”

Students will get their chance to shine as well during the two open house receptions, which will include student musicians, refreshments and art projects to complete on site. The music will be performed by students under the direction of Julie Wood of the School of Music at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Alpena.

Many of the students bring their parents to the Loft to see their artwork hung in the gallery. It’s a positive experience for all involved, Stevens said.

“The receptions are some of my most favorite nights,” she said. “There’s such an excitement and enthusiasm from the kids when they step off the elevator and see the space filled with art.”

Stevens encourages everyone to stop by and see the exhibit whether they have children with art on display or not.

In conjunction with the Young Artists Exhibit, the Loft also offers a series of workshops for children on three consecutive Saturday in Alpena. All classes are $10 per student and an hour and a half in length. To register, call 356-4877 or go to www.artintheloft.org.