Paula Lockwood of Seneca Valley High School used printmaking to create “Morgan,” which along with more than 400 other entries will be shown starting Friday in the annual Butler County High School Exhibit at The Art Center.

The Associated Artists of Butler County hosts the annual Butler County High School Art Exhibit beginning Friday at The Art Center, 344 S. Main St.

The reception starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free, and light refreshments will be served.

All forms of art media will be on display, including pencil and ink drawing, charcoal, mixed media, acrylic painting, sculpture, pastels, photography, watercolor, printmaking and digital art.

The exhibit is predicted to be the largest in many years. More than 400 entries have been received from students in schools such as:

• Butler Intermediate and Senior high schools

• Karns City High School

• Knoch High School

• Mars High School

• Moniteau High School

• Seneca Valley Intermediate and Senior high schools

“In addition to being one of our largest high school exhibits in years, the creativity and quality of art produced by these young people this year is really amazing,”said Paul Scanlon, president of the AABC.

“Anyone even thinking about eliminating art programs from our schools needs to come to this opening, view the exhibit, and talk to the young artists who put their hearts and souls into this show before making up their minds.”

Art teachers helping to make this exhibit happen include:• Carol Berteotti, Karns City High School• Holly Bly, Butler Intermediate High School• Megan Bonistalli, Seneca Valley Senior High School• Erich Campbell, Butler Intermediate High School• Diane Geist, Knoch High School• Rita Johnson, Mars High School• Doug Kamer, Knoch High School• Britta Manges, Butler Intermediate High School• Jon Pugliese, Butler Senior High School• Jason Shorr, Seneca Valley Senior High School• Eric Sloane, Mars High School• Anne Wilson, Butler Senior High School• Heidi Wirtner, Moniteau High School• Jason Woolslare, Seneca Valley Intermediate High School.The exhibit remains on display through May 6.Gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is free.Call 724-283-6922 for more information.

Tabi Bush of Butler High School made this untitled piece with mixed media. This and other artwork will be displayed as part of the annual Butler County High School Exhibit starting with a 7 p.m. reception Friday at The Art Center, 344 S. Main St.