Area high school artists will have a chance to sample the life of a professional artist when their work is featured during a special reception for the Shafer Gallery’s Vortex High School Exhibit.

The event is free and is open to the public from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, March 11. The exhibit, which opened on Feb. 26, runs through March 15.

Gallery Director David Barnes said the Vortex show is a way to put one of the Gallery’s missions into effect in a real-time manner.

"One of the most important goals of the Shafer Gallery is to provide an artistic venue for artists in our community, and the high school shows are one of the best opportunities we have to showcase the talent we have here," Barnes said. "It also shows the people in our surrounding communities that the gallery belongs to them."

Barnes said exhibiting the art of younger people from the area creates a unique style and energy for the gallery.

"The Vortex Exhibit is great because it presents a very youthful and adventurous point of view," Barnes said. "We really get to see young creative minds at work."

The students had an opportunity to visit campus Friday to participate in Vortex Day, which consisted of various hands-on workshops and an awards ceremony. The annual competition was judged by art professionals from Barton’s Art Department. Award winning students received scholarship awards from the Barton Foundation.

Regular viewing hours for the Shafer Gallery are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is always free.