The Moss Arts Center celebrates the talent and creativity of New River Valley student artists with its newest exhibition, which features work from 42 students from Shawsville Middle School.
“Young Artists: Layers of Me” debuts with an opening reception on Tuesday, Jan. 7, from 5-7 p.m. in the center’s Grand Lobby. Open for a limited time, the exhibition runs through Saturday, Jan. 11.
Under the guidance of Shawsville Middle School art teacher Alysha Bates, the students created works exploring themes of identity and self-expression, including both abstract and traditional representations that emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity.
The young artists designed mixed-media biography jars filled with likes, dislikes, and personal qualities. Serving as metaphors for their identities, some jars overflow with vibrant elements, while others remain partially empty to symbolize an ongoing journey of self-discovery. Additionally, symbolic profile projects allowed the middle schoolers to practice a steady hand while tracing their silhouettes, which they filled with dreams and memories that demonstrate the ways their experiences shape who they are.
The exhibition also features artwork inspired by beloved works like the movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and the “Peanuts” comic strip. After watching Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” – a story about embracing one’s true self – students immersed themselves in the film’s distinctive style, creating charcoal, chalk, and conte drawings highlighting their own personalities through character details and frames. While learning the art of caricature, they depicted themselves as “Peanuts” characters, creating illustrations that included personal elements, such as “safety blankets” symbolizing identities and comforts. Through these diverse artistic expressions, students explored their inner struggles and aspirations, reflecting on who they are in and out of school and who they hope to become.
“The ‘Young Artists’ exhibition gives students a platform that showcases their creativity, fosters confidence, and provides an environment where they can envision themselves pursuing future artistic opportunities,” said Bethany Costello, Moss Arts Center’s engagement manager and coordinator for the exhibition. “I hope that seeing their work on display inspires the students to explore their artistic passions and never be afraid of sharing the many layers that make them incredible. There is nothing more transformative than that.”
The galleries and all related events are free and open to the public.
Visiting the galleries
Located at 190 Alumni Mall, the Moss Arts Center’s galleries are open on Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The center offers many opportunities for students, faculty, and community members to engage with artists and their work.
Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street. When not staffed for a special event, visitors may park in the garage by taking a ticket at entry and paying with Visa or Mastercard upon exit. Find more parking details online.
Susan Bland for Virginia Tech
