Art exhibit Friday at UCCS Downtown to feature artwork from St. Marys High School students

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A select few St. Mary's High School students are getting ready to have their artwork displayed downtown Friday at a special exhibit.

The exhibit at the UCCS Downtown campus runs from April 21 through May 21. Soon, UCCS Downtown will be filled with art students' pieces as part of this featured art exhibit Friday, May 5.

"We have all this great space here and I thought, why don't we highlight some local artists," UCCS Downtown Campus Director Zak Kroger said. "So I reached out to the Pikes Peak Arts Council and they said yeah!"

The Pikes Peak Art Council has been around since 1968 with a mission to connect, enrich, and honor local artists.

"When the opportunity came to show this and partner with them, we jumped at it because it falls in line with our mission, values, and it's a great way to support art and support up-and-coming artists," Sam Ken with the Pikes Peak Art Council said.

Every Spring semester, the art classes work on putting the students' artwork out in the community through competitions and exhibits.

The pieces range from acrylic on canvas, watercolor, digital art, and 3D art sculptures.

Instructor Rosario Weston says she's very proud of her students, and that it's a unique experience for them to have their work featured in the public setting. It shows that learning goes beyond the classroom.

"It promotes creativity, innovation, and freedom of expression for our students which we are humbly grateful for," Weston said.

Weston also won an international competition to have her painting chosen to be displayed permanently downtown. It is currently on display at Kreuser Gallery located at 125 E. Boulder St.

The student gallery is Friday, May 5 at UCCS Downtown located at 102 S. Tejon St. from 5-9 p.m. It's part of the City's 'First Friday Art Walk' and celebration.

All sales from the exhibit will benefit specific additional projects for the class.