Orcas kids’ artistic expression takes many forms, and their diverse work is on display now through the end of May at Orcas Center.

The show is titled “Cutting Age,” and features the art of elementary, middle, high school and home-school students. There is metal sculpture, ceramics, pastels, watercolors, pencil, collage, and everything in between.

More than 250 people attended the opening reception on May 1 with potluck food and a concert led by Orcas public school music teacher Lizz Hanks. Guests included the middle and high school Orcas Chamber Players, the Lirico Chamber Singers from Spokane, sophomore Kailley Grantham on flute, and her grandfather Ron Meyers on the piano.

“The parents that came, particularly those of home-schoolers, were just thrilled,” said show director Martin Taylor. “It was one of those great moments, where the kids were showing off their prized art piece.”

The display was organized by the Orcas Center Visual Art Committee, of which Taylor is a member. The student art shows have been held off and on for the past four years.

“We hope it will be more stable in the future,” Taylor said. “If it is, I think more families and parents will be involved.”

Second grader Paris Wilson, whose work is featured in the show, says she creates art at least every week and sometimes every day.

“I am home-schooled this year, and I do all kinds of art,” she said. “I like drawing and painting very much. I also like to make newspapers. I am on my third. I like art because I like being free, and I like doing whatever I want in my paintings. I will be an artist when I grow up.”

Prizes, awards and recognition announcements will be made later in May after the show is judged by the VAC and a set of invited Orcas artists. The number of prizes depends on the size of a grant from the Orcas Island Community Foundation, which is currently under consideration. The grant is for both prize money and to help students pay for proper framing, canvases, and other supplies for next year.

The show is up from now through June 1. Taylor says individuals and student groups are encouraged to come and check out the work.

“The little kids are excited to just be a part of it,” he said. “For the older students, especially those in the OASIS alternative school, it is a chance to show something for the first time in public.”