By Matt Koper/ne news editor

The Children’s Center held its second annual art show April 20-25, giving young artists a chance to have their work displayed in the Fine Arts Building on NE Campus.

The center hosted a reception for the parents April 23 with students, faculty and staff attending.

NE art associate professor Cynthia Hurt, who helps with the show, said the reception adds to the excitement for the children.

“I think it turns it into a big deal,” she said. “When you put a party around something like this, the kids are aware that there’s something special going on. They did a great job of presenting their work this year.”

Hurt said that the show also helps students in the NE art program who are interested in teaching.

“A lot of people don’t have art education degrees, but they’ll be out there in a position where they’ll be teaching kids and teaching them art,” she said.

NE music instructor Philippe Baugh, whose 4-year-old daughter had art in the show, played with the jazz band at the reception. He said the show highlights the importance of creating art even at his daughter’s age.

“It’s to develop her creative skills,” he said. “There’s just not enough of that, particularly as they get older. And to show off her work too. It’s just as viable artistically as a grown person’s and a professional artist too.”

NE student Eli Perry said the show was a good experience.

“I like it. I think it’s good to encourage kids to do art, especially young,” she said. “It’s a way to express themselves, get their feelings out. It’s really cute, too.”