The 2024 Young Artist Exhibit will feature over 600 pieces from student artists from 17 schools across Northeast Michigan.

The exhibit opens with an artists’ reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 4. The public is welcome at this free reception.

“This is where we do invite all the students that are involved,” Art in the Loft Executive Director Justin Christensen-Cooper said. “Each teacher gets invites to give to those students and their families, but it’s also for anyone to come see the artwork, as well.”

He said the works are presented in a variety of mediums.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley A variety of artwork is displayed at Art in the Loft, created by young artists from schools across the area.

“All mediums, so we have some photography, sculptures, collage, paintings,” He said. “You name it, we’ve got it.”

The Young Artist Exhibit has been going on since 2001, and that’s when a young Christensen-Cooper displayed his artwork there as a senior in high school.

He said, from experience, it’s very special for a young artist to see their work displayed at a professional gallery.

“Art in the Loft was built on the fact that we want to showcase local artists in what we do,” Christensen-Cooper said. “It’s a space for creative expression and to showcase that in a growing appreciation for the arts. And it has to start somewhere. You don’t become an artist as an adult if you don’t use your mind creatively as a child and as you’re growing up. This is a way to showcase our local talent at another age level.”

He added that there will be snacks.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley At right is a floral piece made by Vesper Stutzman, a freshman at Alpena High School.

“We do a big snack table with popcorn and fun stuff to eat,” Christensen-Cooper said. “The whole classroom is going to be decked out in a paint your own canvas, so anyone that comes can do a mini canvas, which is super cool.”

Upon entering the Loft, attendees will notice a large, colorful light-up palette.

“We also will have an interactive paint palette mural that people can leave their mark on,” he said. “And, then, we’re going to have an immerse 12-foot fabric wall where you can walk through it.”

Art in the Loft is located on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in downtown Alpena. Starting on April 4, the gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Participating schools include ACES Academy, Alcona Elementary, Alcona Secondary, Alpena High School, Atlanta Community Schools, Besser Elementary, COACH Homeschoolers, Ella White Elementary, Hinks Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Posen High School, Posen Elementary, Rogers City Schools, Rogers City St. Johns, Sanborn Elementary, Thunder Bay Junior High School, and Wilson Elementary.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley This painting of Michigan was made by Emma McSwain, a junior at Atlanta Community Schools.

“I think it’s really important to note that there are dedicated teachers doing this every single day, and if you don’t go through their classroom, or the hallways of their school, chances are, you don’t know that it’s happening,” Christensen-Cooper said. “So, I really think this is a great way to showcase all of the hard work toward something that is really beneficial and needing to happen in our community, which is the arts.”

The 2024 Young Artist Exhibit is underwritten by Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union and supported by the Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.

“We always say, as a staff and board here, that it is, by far, our favorite exhibit,” he added. “Every time a teacher drops off the artwork, it’s like Christmas morning.”