Community members can vote for their favorite submission at each grade level (primary, middle and high) through Monday, May 12, at 8 a.m.

The Battle Ground Public Schools District Art Show returns this month for its 66th year, bringing back the popular People’s Choice Award. Community members can vote for their favorite submission at each grade level (primary, middle and high) through Monday, May 12, at 8 a.m. Top selections will receive the People’s Choice Award at the May 27 board of directors meeting. Board meetings are open to the public and available to watch online.

“We are excited to show off the amazing talent of our students and the hard work of the district’s dedicated art teachers,” said Allison Tuchardt, the district’s director of curriculum, instruction and assessment and one of the organizers of the art show. “Having the artwork online allows family members from all over to see our students’ work and participate in the show. We’re excited to see whose work resonates with our community.”

Tuchardt is the daughter of the late Bob Peck. The longtime Battle Ground High School art teacher created the BGPS Art Show in 1959 along with Battle Ground city librarian Florence Rieck as a way for the community to enjoy the creativity of its students.

All grade levels are represented in the show in a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing, photography, 3D sculptures and digital art/video. Winning student-artists will be recognized in person at the May 27 school board meeting.

“Our community always looks forward to the art show and that is a feeling we share,” said incoming Superintendent Shelly Whitten. “Last year, more than 500 people voted for their favorite online, and that’s a testament to the popularity of this event even after so many years. It is our pleasure to support our amazing art students and teachers with this event.”

In addition to People’s Choice Awards, students will be eligible to receive the coveted Bob Peck Award, Superintendent Awards, Board’s Choice Awards, Best of Show and juried awards.

The public is invited to view students’ art on the district website and choose their favorites for the People’s Choice Award through the morning of May 12.

Information provided by the Battle Ground School District.