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More than 300 pieces of art, created by students in the Butler County School System, were on display last Friday in the lobby of the auditorium at Greenville High School.

“We’ve got between 325 and 340 pieces of artwork displayed from all grades and from all schools,” Debra Strycker, wife of BCSS Superintendent Dr. John Strycker and coordinator of the show, said.  “We’ve got sculptures, paintings, pen and ink drawings, fabrics, woodworking and just about anything you can think of. The students are very creative and this is their chance to show off their skills. They don’t have any formal art classes.”

Those attending the event had the chance to vote on favorite artwork in different categories. Winners will be announced soon. Categories included paint, pencil, ink, crayon, fabric, metal, wood, mixed media, sculpture (clay), photography, poetry and an overall favorite.

Dale Lucas of McKenzie High School had a number of items on display that he had put together for the woodworking category.

“My family is into dirt track racing, so I made shelves inside a tire to display things in,” he said. “I also used old tin as backing for one of the projects.”

Debra Strycker said she owed much of her career as a furniture designer to art inspirations from when she was in high school.

“If I didn’t have the arts as an outlet, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she concluded. “I had the arts. We had that emphasis on it. We want to offer these kids a change. They don’t know what they can do. We had photography and poetry and other arts. Creative people will find something to do. This is a great start. Let’s find something creative for them.”

This was the second year for the show and it drew a large crowd.