The artwork in the annual “Artists of the 21st Century” student exhibition is always impressive, said Kristin Miller, site coordinator of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Ligonier Valley, where the show opens on Friday.

The circumstances under which it was created this year make it even more so.

“I give kudos to the teachers for being able to pull the best out of these students, who were mostly working remotely,” she said. That applies especially to the pottery pieces.

“Under the circumstances, to get the clay in the kiln, fired and glazed — wow, I just give them all so much credit,” Miller said.

The 23rd annual student art exhibition, running through April 18, features work in various media, including drawings, paintings, other 3-D work and photography.

There’s more photography than usual, Miller said, possibly because it’s an easy medium to work with at home.

“You can see how the world is reflected in their eyes,” Miller said. “Because the world has changed so much, art is even more important now. They’re expressing their thoughts and feelings in ways that are very unique and individualized.”

The show at the Ligonier Valley facility is open to work from students in Westmoreland and Fayette counties. This year’s participating schools are all from Westmoreland, including Greensburg Central Catholic and Hempfield Area high schools; Stanwood, West Point and Fort Allen elementary schools; and Valley School of Ligonier.

“Some of our usual schools chose not to participate this year, and we totally understand that,” Miller said, adding that Greensburg Central Catholic is a new participant this year.

A reception is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. March 6. Students and their families, friends and teachers from each school will be asked to attend at staggered times to adhere to gathering size limits, Miller said.

The museum system also hosts a show for schools in Bedford, Blair, Cambria and Somerset counties at its Loretto facility on the Saint Francis University campus. That show is running through April 3, with a reception set for 1-4 p.m. Feb. 27.

“Artists of the 21st Century” is sponsored by the Sigma Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa International Honorary Organization for Women Educators.

Each school district can submit up to 25 individual projects and two group projects. Held in conjunction with National Youth Art Month, the exhibition is open to schools that participate in SAMA’s Arts-in-Education or Artist-in-Residence program.

Through the programs, SAMA educators and professional artists visit public and parochial schools to provide lessons designed to enhance students’ understanding of art creation, technique, history, criticism and aesthetics. The award-winning initiative is the largest of its kind in the Commonwealth, according to SAMA.

Hours at the Ligonier Valley location, at 1 Boucher Lane and Route 711, are noon-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. SAMA is following CDC covid-19 guidelines and social distancing recommendations. Masks are required.

While admission is free, the museum suggests a $1 donation per person in support of the exhibition.

Details: sama-art.org

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