Students in Madison City Schools, Madison Academy, St. John the Baptist Catholic School and Life Christian Academy will show their artwork at the Student Art Tent at the Madison Street Festival. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Young artists will show their beyond-their-years skills at the Student Art Tent at the Madison Street Festival (MSF) on Oct. 4.

Madison Arts Council (MAC) coordinates entries from art teachers, along with staffing the tent. Students in Madison City Schools, Madison Academy, St. John the Baptist Catholic School and Life Christian Academy are participating.

The tent’s location on Church Street is adjacent to The Glass Center.

“Madison Arts Council values its longstanding partnership with the Madison Street Festival in bringing a Student Art Tent to the event,” MAC President Shrail Heinrich said. “We look forward to showcasing the immense talent found among students to the thousands of visitors.”

“The Student Art Tent showcases what incredibly talented art teachers and students we have in Madison,” MAC tent coordinator Laura Pope said. “Art is an important part of the entire learning process.”

Pope said art bolsters math skills, creativity and imagination, “important components in the fields of engineering, architecture, medicine, music and space technology.”

High school students supply the majority of art, designed in charcoal, watercolors, acrylics and mixed media. “Everyone is always amazed at their professionalism,” Pope said. Middle and elementary schools adopt a theme, which students interpret in their unique perspective.

MAC awards ribbons for first, second and third places and honorable mentions for the secondary, middle and elementary levels.

For interested buyers, MAC will refer individuals to the students. “Students are extremely proud to exhibit their artwork in a public venue. If we can continue to foster this excitement for art, hopefully it will perpetuate a lifelong interest in experimenting with creativity within,” Pope said.

Redstone Federal Credit Union will sponsor the art tent. “The festival awards $100 each to the art program for the winning elementary, middle and high schools,” MSF President Debbie Overcash said.

MAC’s Heather Alvarado is locating three judges.

“If you haven’t stopped by the Student Art Tent, I encourage you to do so,” Heinrich said. “You’ll be surprised at the caliber of art.”

MSF hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.