Knowlton – Celebration of Volleyball: “Celebration of Volleyball,” colored pencil, by Emma Knowlton, Grade 8, Whitehall Middle School

Artwork from seven area schools covers the Nuveen walls, reflecting the theme of “Celebrations” with vibrant colors and joyful subject matter, ranging from balloons and fireworks to festive cakes and victorious athletes.

The project is part of the eighth annual Fall into the Arts exhibit at the Nuveen Community Center for the Arts, which showcases local student achievement in the arts and give community members the opportunity to support the art program at their favorite school. Proceeds from donation buckets placed alongside each group of artwork are returned directly to the school’s art department, allowing the teacher to purchase much-needed supplies despite dwindling school budgets.

The theme of “Celebrations” was chosen in honor of the Nuveen Center’s 10th birthday, which has been commemorated in different ways throughout 2012. Nuveen Director Erin Charles considers ending 2012 with a student display reflecting the joy and exuberance of youth “a perfect close to our special year.” In addition, Charles remarks, “choosing an intangible concept allowed teachers to really stretch their students’ understanding of how art can be expressive and not simply representational.”

Community members are invited to view the artwork and vote for their favorite piece now through Dec. 22, 2012. The student artist with the most votes will win a People’s Choice Award of $25. This annual opportunity to showcase youth arts education is made possible by a generous sponsorship from Jack and Laura Schultz.

The Nuveen Community Center for the Arts, which is the educational branch of the Arts Council of White Lake, is located at 8697 Ferry St. in downtown Montague. Exhibit hours are Tuesday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There is no charge for admission. Call 231-894-2787 for information about holiday hours.