For decades, art has remained a key part of Edina’s curriculum. Many students, however, are ready to go beyond the school’s curriculum and would like to see their art showcased professionally.

For many, the solution lies in the Edina Art Center Teen Show. Throughout the past months, the gallery has been creating a showcase for Edina students to display their work.

“As a community, we need to promote the arts as much as [we promote] sports, especially when they are equally important,” said sophomore Nate Saunders, a volunteer helping to create the show.

Saunders works at the pottery center of the Edina Art Center and has taken an Edina ceramics class. “[I] feel that art, especially functional art, is important in this world with so many mass produced products… For me, it’s important to see the maker’s hand in the work and to make things that can be used in everyday life that serves a purpose,” said Saunders.

Saunders has worked on the show, planning the opening and hanging the art. Meanwhile, junior Sophia Munic has been working alongside him to make the show a success. “We have been working to publicize the event and to obtain submissions which we will be judging in order for the artwork to be put in the show,” said Munic.

Munic is deeply passionate about art and is on the Edina Arts and Cultural Commission. “Being absorbed by an artist’s idea is one of the most compelling emotions anyone can ever experience, which is why I urge everyone to come see the show,” said Munic.

The show itself takes place from Mar. 20 until Apr. 7, and submissions are being collected in the art rooms until Friday, Mar. 14.