Twenty-three junior high and 44 high school winners were selected in this year’s Vicksburg Art Association Student Show, which featured works by young artists who attend area schools or are homeschooled. The show will be on display through 3 p.m. today at the Old Constitution Firehouse at Main and Openwood streets.

Artist and VAA member Janet Akers, one of the organizers of this year’s contest, said the show provides young artists an opportunity to experience art on a different level.

“This is a chance for them to have their artwork on display. They spent a lot of time on (their pieces),” she said. “For people to see them, it gives them a taste of what it’s like.”

Senior high students from Vicksburg High, Warren Central, St. Aloysius and Chamberlain Hunt in Port Gibson submitted 252 pieces this year. Categories were fiber, sculpture, ceramics, tempera, watercolor, photography, charcoal, pencil, mixed media, ink, graphic design, oil pastel, acrylic and pastel. Prizes were awarded for first, second, third and honorable mention in each category. Best in Show prizes were also awarded for first, second and third places.

Junior high students from Warren Central and Chamberlain Hunt submitted 65 pieces in the multimedia show, which was divided into sculpture, watercolor, cut paper, scratch art, mixed media and tempera. First, second, third and honorable mention were awarded, in addition to best in show prizes for first, second and third.

Akers said local banks donated $100 bonds that acted as prizes for winners of the Best in Show awards in each age group. Others offered a $50 savings bond and a savings account with $25, she said.

The contest was judged by retired teacher Mike Box, of Pearl School District.