3rd Annual Wayne County High School Art Exhibition Open Until July 21, 2024

DETROIT, MI-On June 21, The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) unveiled the 3rd Annual Wayne County High School Art Exhibition, a unique showcase of high school students' artistic talent from across Wayne County. The exhibition is open until July 21, 2024. It features a diverse collection of over 80 artworks, including paintings, mixed media, and photography, each one a testament to the creativity and skill of our young artists.

"We are thrilled to continue this tradition and provide a platform for Wayne County's budding artists to showcase their exceptional skills," expressed DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons. "The Detroit Institute of Arts is deeply committed to fostering educational opportunities and takes immense pride in nurturing and inspiring our future artists."

All students in grades 9 through 12 who attend public, charter, private, or home schools in Wayne County were eligible to submit artwork for consideration in the show. More than 200 entries were submitted, and DIA educators selected the pieces that appeared in the show.

"Art, in and of itself, is a very powerful tool. Art can shape our lives, tell stories, provide information, and bring people together, "said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. "These high school students have worked hard; we're extremely proud of their accomplishments. Having their art displayed at the Detroit Institute of Arts speaks to each student's artistic ability ---their level of creativity. This is an experience these talented young artist will always remember, and we are honored to experience their work and this moment with them."

Here's what some of the student artists had to say:

"To be featured in this year's exhibition, I feel grateful to have my artwork seen and recognized by others. It's an honor to be representing Wayne County as a chosen artist," said Amanda Consiglio, a recent graduate of Southgate Anderson High School. "I hope that others can be influenced by seeing my work and the works of the other students featured, as it may encourage other aspiring artists to get their own work noticed as well."

"When I saw that I had got accepted into the art show, I was so proud of my artwork as well as my art teacher, Ms. Sych, for suggesting I apply for it," said Emma Garcia, a sophomore at Belleville High School. "As soon as I got the email I literally 'ran' to the art room to tell her; I had never been so proud! Ever since then I've fallen even more in love with ceramics."

"I am very proud that I was able to show my art in this exhibition, to show how I want people to feel, and what I want people to see," said Hannah Roach, a junior at Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn. "We are all equal no matter our differences. This is only my second exhibition ever and I am glad I can share my work with the DIA."

"I've enjoyed making art my whole life, and I have been able to expand my technique and practice different styles of photography in the class I took this past school year," said Anna Burlaka, a sophomore at Grosse Pointe South High School. "I find value in sharing my artwork because that allows me to hear different interpretations and impressions people have of it. I think this show is a great way for a variety of artists to gain recognition and make their work known to a wider audience. Highlighting diverse aspects of the human experience in many unique ways, art connects people in a very divided world."

All residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties always receive free admission to the DIA