The distinct smell of acrylic paint greets you as you arrive at the top of the stairs leading to the fine arts hall at Lanier High School in Jackson. Paintings line the floor of the corridor, where they can dry without interference. Students will exhibit many of them in an art show and auction at Rainbow Whole Foods Co-op on April 10.
The show, sponsored by Parents for Public Schools and Jackson Public Schools in conjunction with Arts, Eats and Beats, allows students to show their artwork to the public and make a little dough in the process. High school students and their respective art departments split the proceeds 50-50.
Lanier senior Djuan Young, 18, is showing one scratchboard piece and three caulk paintings in the auction. Young, who received the American Vision and Gold Key awards at this year's state scholastic competition, says that showing his work shows a different side of JPS to the public. "It shows the talent that we have at Lanier High School," Young said.
Art teacher Candy Cain tasked some of her students to paint Jackson landmarks like Walker's Drive-in and the Fondren Corner building. "It gives them a sense of what it takes to be a professional artist, how to present their artwork, how to market their stuff, have high expectations of their finished product," Cain said. "It builds their confidence."
In addition to Rainbow offering its space for the show, several Jackson businesses, including Arts Supply Headquarters and Brown's Fine Art, have donated supplies and offered matting services to embellish students' work. Art will be displayed in the open area of Rainbow on April 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
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