A children’s art show kicked off last week with a month of exhibits scheduled for the Constitution Firehouse Gallery, all of which are sponsored by the Vicksburg Art Association, and by the end of the month, every age group will have had the opportunity to showcase their talents.

“We had at least 300 people attend the children’s art show on Sunday, despite the bad weather,” said Corin Morrison, the president of the VAA, “and the children were precious.”

Morrison is referring to the event that was held at the Constitution Firehouse Gallery, which highlighted students from local elementary schools.

This Sunday, the VAA will be sponsoring the Youth Art Show, which showcases local teenage art students.

The competition/exhibit is for 7th through 12th graders, said Jamie Coones, the chairman for the youth show and the exhibit that will run from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

All the local high schools and homeschooled groups have been contacted about the show and submissions will be accepted through Wednesday by calling 601-218-2656.

Each student will be allowed to submit up to six pieces of art, said Coones, with no more than three pieces in each category.

Categories include painting, pastel, charcoal, ceramics, sculpture and textile.

“Six pieces of artwork must be submitted for each category to be judged,” Coones said, and added students will receive written feedback from the judge on their artwork.

The VAA members exhibition is scheduled to run from April 28 to May 2.

All artists must be at least 18 years of age, VAA members and residents of Mississippi to compete. Three best-in show awards will be given with first place receiving $200, second $75 and third $50. Ribbons will be awarded to first, second third and honorable mentions in each category according to the discretion of the judge.

Three People’s Choice awards will also be awarded based on voting by reception attendees.

Entry fees are $15 for current members and those that want to join or renew their membership may pay the $15 entry fee and the $15 for the membership.

Categories include oil, watercolor, acrylic, three-dimensional, photo mono, photo color, drawing, fiber, mixed media, printmaking, computer and graphics.

Registration will run from 2 to 4 p.m. April 26 and 4 to 6 p.m. April 28.

A free reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. May 3 at the gallery, 1204 Main St. and the exhibition will run from 1 to 4 p.m. May 4, noon to 6 p.m. May 5 and 6 and from noon to 5 p.m. May 7.

The adult show is geared for artist to show their talent and to be affirmed with what they are doing, said Morrison, and the judge will be available during the reception to discuss how the show was judged.

“We encourage people to come and view the incredible talent we have in Vicksburg,” said Morrison.

For more information, call 601-638-9221.

If you go

The Vicksburg Art Association will sponsor the third annual Youth Art Show from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday and the Annual Spring Members’ Show will run from 1 to 4 p.m. May 4, noon to 6 p.m. May 5 and 6 and from noon to 5 p.m. May 7. A reception for the member’s show will run from 7 to 9 p.m. May 3. All events are free. For more information, call 601-638-9221.