GROVE CITY — Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV has teamed up with the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, the Citrone Fund and Erie Insurance to present the 27th annual Very Special Arts exhibit.

The exhibit, which began March 29, runs through April 16 at the Pew Fine Arts Gallery at Grove City College. It showcases art created by students with special needs from school districts in Butler, Mercer and Lawrence counties.

The exhibit has the work of more than 1,100 students from 37 schools in 27 school districts, including three vocational schools. The items on display were selected by a panel of judges.

MIU IV executive director Wayde Killmeyer called the exhibit a chance to focus on the abilities and talents of the students who can often be overlooked in extracurricular activities or “take second billing” to their classmates.

“The pieces of artwork that were selected this year are as creative, colorful and diverse as the artists who created them,” Killmeyer said. “The VSA exhibit is special because it focuses on each artist’s talents and abilities and not their disabilities.”

A reception honoring the students will be at the gallery from 1 to 4 p.m. April 10.

Students and their families will walk the red carpet and have a chance to be photographed with Iceburgh, the Penguins’ mascot, have a chance to visit Icetime Arts and use creation stations including “Power Play Painting” and “Shoot Out Sand Art.”

Each of the students also will receive a custom-made medal created by Wendell August Forge recognizing their artistic achievements, as well as a backpack with art supplies and a T-shirt to commemorate the event.

The exhibit is free and open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

VSA Arts is an international nonprofit organization that focuses on giving children and adults with special needs the opportunity to learn through and participate in the arts.

MIU IV is an educational service agency that provides services to 27 school districts in Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties.