Tequesta, FL (April 14th, 2009) As the school year comes to a close, the very best of Palm Beach and Martin Counties' art students are getting a chance to showcase their outstanding artwork. The 39th Annual K-12 Community Student Exhibition, generously underwritten by the Jupiter/Tequesta Woman's Club, opens with two receptions at The Gallery @ The Lighthouse Center for the Arts. The receptions that include awards ceremonies will be held on May 6 th for grades K-5 and on May 7th for grades 6-12 on both from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The exhibition celebrates the future of the arts in our community and will be on display until May 28 th.

This spirited exhibition will feature over 400 works by students from 20 area schools and is comprised of individual and group projects in all media including painting, drawing, clay, photography, printmaking, mural painting and more. The exhibition is a striking testament to the talent and diversity of area students and signifies an exciting gateway for those hoping for a fulfilling career in the arts.

"Every piece of art submitted to this exhibition is a winner," noted Sonya Davis, Lighthouse Center for the Arts Executive Director. "The works are selected from the entire body of art produced at each school throughout the year. The art instructors select the very best from each grade to be hung in our galleries."

Awards will be given at the opening receptions to the young artists for works which stand out even in this premier group. The Jupiter-Tequesta Junior Women's Club, The Lighthouse Center for the Arts, and community minded individuals will bestow 47 awards for individual and group efforts.

For many student artists, this show is their first opportunity to connect with an audience outside the classroom. This exhibition offers school aged students the experience of preparing for and participating in a professional setting, recognizes and awards students for excellence and provides an opportunity for students, instructors, and peers to view the year's accomplishments.

During the summer young artists, ages 4-12, can expand their skills and explore how to reuse, repurpose, and recycle to create art a CAMP EARTH. This eco-friendly day camp, where themes change weekly, will be held from June 8 to August 14. Young artists will explore how to make art that is good for mother earth. Internships opportunities are available for community service hours for older students. Camp and internship registration is open and can be done online at www.lighthousearts.org or by calling 561-748-8737.

The 39th Annual K-12 Student Exhibition is made possible in part by the generous donation and participation of the Jupiter Tequesta Junior Women's Club. The exhibition runs from May 6 th through 28 th with a reception for grades K-5 on May 6 th and for grades 6-12 on May 7th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The exhibition and receptions are free and open to the public. The Gallery @ The Lighthouse Center for the Arts is located in the Gallery Square North Plaza, 373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL., ½ mile west of US Hwy 1, and is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4:30 pm. For more information call 561-746-3101 or visit online at www.lighthousearts.org.