MIFFLINTOWN — The Juniata County School District K-12 Art Show might take place on Wednesday, Aug. 13, but it also serves as a reminder of the vital role that the arts play in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression in students every day.

Now in its second year, this year’s show will feature about 40 to 50 pieces of artwork from students from each of the five schools in the district: East Juniata and Juniata elementary schools, Tuscarora Junior High School and East Juniata and Juniata high schools. Each school will have roughly 7 to 12 artists presenting their work, which covers all mediums.

Juniata High School art education teacher Rachel Shepler called the show, “a celebration of creativity and talent within our school community.”

Last year’s show featured a collection of student-created artwork across a variety of mediums, which was beautifully displayed throughout the hallways and conference rooms at the district’s administration building at 146 Weatherby Way in Mifflintown for classmates, family and friends to enjoy. The art show is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

“We want to take a moment to honor your child’s accomplishment and recognize their incredible abilities,” Shepler said in a letter addressed to those students whose work was selected to appear in the show.

“Their artwork stood out among many impressive submissions, showcasing their unique vision and artistic skill,” Shepler added. “This achievement is a testament to their dedication and hard work, as well as the guidance and support provided by our talented teachers.”

Parents, grandparents and friends filled the venue last year, eager to support the young artists who had their work on display at the special exhibition.

The evening began with a warm welcome from teachers and district administrators, who expressed their pride in the students’ accomplishments.

A highlight of the event was a photo session, where the featured artists had the opportunity to pose together as a group. “This was not only a moment of recognition but also a chance for the community to capture the joy and pride of the students as they celebrated their achievements,” Shepler added.

Student artwork ranged from paintings and drawings to mixed media and digital creations. Shepler said each piece reflected the unique vision and talent of its creator.

She added the diversity of styles and subjects across kindergarten through grade 12 highlights the broad range of artistic expression among the students, making the event a true celebration of the arts.

Juniata County School District Superintendent of Schools Christie Holderman praised the students for their hard work and dedication last year. She said, “The creativity and talent of our students never ceases to amaze me. This art show is a testament to the incredible abilities of our young artists and the guidance of our dedicated teachers. We are so proud to have such a vibrant arts program in our schools.”

Those in attendance enjoyed refreshments as they strolled through the exhibit, admiring the students’ work and engaging in conversations about the importance of arts education in schools.

“We encourage you to bring your loved ones and show your support for our budding artists,” Shepler added.

If you miss the event, do not worry as the artwork will remain on display for the 2025-26 school year.