Hockaday opens student art exhibition

Highlighting young local talent, the Hockaday Museum of Art’s New Artists 2023: High School Student Art Exhibition opens next month.

The popular annual exhibition, now in its 24th year, opens with a free artists and public reception April 13, from 5-7 p.m., and features 2D and 3D works of a variety of media. The artists are in grades 9-12 and were selected by art teachers from Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish and surrounding areas, as well as homeschool submissions. These featured works represent the best of the best from their respective schools. The Curators Choice Awards for 2D and 3D will be announced at the reception.

Visitors can also vote in person at the museum for the People’s Choice Award through Saturday, April 22 and will be announced the following week. Winners receive a cash prize as well as a one-year family membership to the museum. The exhibition remains on display through May 27.

In addition, the Hockaday is launching a youth membership program.

Thanks to a 2022-23 grant from Applied Materials Foundation, the one-year membership program will be free to all youth grades (under 18) who sign up in 2023.

Membership benefits include a membership card and lanyard; free admission to the galleries and gift shop; 10% off in the gift shop and on classes; free admission for one accompanying adult guest; special members only events, participation in the Children’s Show (K-8) and the Members Salon (9-12 grade) and more.

Young members can sign up in person at the Hockaday or by downloading and completing a form at: https://hockadaymuseum.com/membership/