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Bethany Waites shows off her artwork at Iberia Bank's student art show. (Reporter photo/Briana Harris)

Madison and Rutland Smiley

PELHAM – Students beamed with pride as they showed off their artwork to their parents during Iberia Bank’s annual student art show on Tuesday, April 18, from 5-6:30 p.m.

The art show featured a total of 75 pieces of art from Pelham Oaks and Thompson Middle school students, said Debbie Parrott, vice president and branch manager of Iberia Bank.

“Ten years ago this started out as a way to give back to the community and give the kids a place to showcase their artwork,” Parrott said. “Every year the kids are so excited to show off their art and take pictures next to it. An added bonus is that this event makes people more aware of Iberia Bank.”

Parrott said she asked Pelham Oaks art teacher Amanda Knight and Thompson Middle art teacher Claire Caldwell to each select at least 25 pieces of artwork to showcase at the bank.

All of the art remains on display inside of the bank for about three weeks, Parrott said.

“One of the cool things about this art show is that sometimes we have repeat artists from year to year,” Parrott said.

Caldwell said selecting the artwork that will be on display is a difficult task.

“I have about 963 students and each of them complete 12-15 art assignments, so it’s really hard to narrow it down,” Caldwell said. “I try to pick artwork from a range of activities throughout the year and I don’t look at names, I just pick the best representations from each project.”

Caldwell said she loves the fact that the public will have an opportunity to view the students’ artwork.

Light refreshments were available to parents and students as they walked through the bank, viewing the artwork. Door prizes were also given out.

“It’s all about nurturing self-esteem in these kids,” Parrott said. “Also, parents get an opportunity to see what their kids are doing in school and they get to meet their art teachers.”

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