Student artwork on exhibit at Center for the Arts

People may find a piece of artwork great for several different reasons. From beautiful arrays of colors, realistic figures and landscapes, to symbols with deeper meanings– creative expression has a way of captivating viewers. The world’s renowned painters, sculptors, and potters that have honed their craft attract attention and praise, but creating art is for everyone. The Minnetonka Center for the Arts’ Student Show 2024 demonstrates just that.

Running from July 19 through Aug. 17, The Student Show 2024 includes 112 pieces by 93 different artists including paintings, ceramics, sculptures, fiber, drawings, and jewelry all made by Art Center students.

“Unlike an exhibit of work by arts professionals, the Student Show allows people to see what they themselves might be doing in a few months or years; it’s a more accessible, more relatable show,” said Exhibits Director Bob Bowman.

The pieces on display are selected by students, who have been or are taking one of the Art Center’s numerous art classes, to showcase their accomplishments in the Art Center’s studios.

“Exhibiting art is a point of pride for many students, but it’s a learning experience for them too. Seeing their work on a gallery wall, out of the studio, shows the work in a different way that helps the artist better understand where they are in their artistic development,” Bowman explained.

Viewers can also peek inside the classrooms and studios where the work was made to better visualize the art making process, and perhaps decide if joining a class is for them.

With many of the exhibits composed of once-novice artists, the show is a reminder of the potential of the visual arts.

The show is free and open to the public. The Art Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.