The Sixth Annual Lincoln Academy Student Art Exhibition opens on Thursday, April 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at River Arts. The public is invited to view the works on the night of the reception, or anytime during business hours between April 2 and 17.

This exhibition will showcase ceramic, sculptural, and two-dimensional pieces from Lincoln’s advanced and advanced placement art students. Art instructors are Jonathan Mess and Nina Sylvia who believe exhibition is an important part of developing into a mature artist.

This show reflects an ongoing partnership between River Arts and Lincoln Academy. The mission of River Arts is “to nurture appreciation, encourage participation and provide opportunity in the arts.” Showcasing student work is just one way that River Arts fulfills this mission.

“As Mr. Mess and I are both practicing artists, we feel very strongly that having an audience beyond their teachers is one of the most validating experiences we can provide,” said Sylvia. “While these students are developing technique, they are also finding their visual voices and can be very hard on themselves. One of the greatest parts of the art learning experience is trusting one's ideas and process, and the exhibition plays a strong supporting role in that methodology.”

Lincoln Academy offers a full array of visual art classes, including drawing, painting, screen printing, photography, 2D and 3D Design, ceramics, and sculpture. Completing pieces for this exhibition is a required component of the advanced-level art classes.

The River Arts gallery is located at 241 US Route 1 in Damariscotta and is open on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2. p.m.

For more information, visit www.riverartsme.org or call the gallery at 207-563-1507.