The fourth annual K-12 Art Show, featuring artwork created by students from throughout Southwest Missouri, will open Monday, Feb. 16, in the Spiva Art Gallery at Missouri Southern. 
Sponsored by District 9 of the Missouri Art Education Association, the non-competitive exhibit is arranged by grade level and includes a variety of 2D and 3D works including paintings, clay sculptures, cardboard constructions and works made from found objects.
“It’s a chance for students to showcase outstanding works by students who have a real desire to do art,” said Amber Mintert, assistant professor of art and District 9 representative for the art education association. “It’s not juried or a competition; just an encouraging place to show their work.
Mintert said the exhibit will include 170 works from 24 schools in District 9, which runs up to Monett and Mount Vernon and along the state line.
A reception for the artists will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, in the gallery.
“We have between 100 and 200 visitors at the reception each year,” she said. “It’s one of the most attended shows at the gallery and gives kids a professional feel with their work.”
The exhibit will run through Friday, Feb. 27. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.