Young artists of all age and skill levels are taking advantage of the opportunity to publicly display their artwork this spring in and around the Solvay area, from the community library to downtown Syracuse.

Solvay Public Library hosted an artist reception on Sunday, April 27, for the Elementary and Middle school artists whose work is being displayed throughout the library.

This was the first year the annual show included grades six through eight, said Solvay Middle School art teacher Bridget Nadzan.

Cara Burton, the library director, really supports us by letting us use the library, Nadzan said.

Elementary art teacher Susan Jacobson added the PTO provided refreshments for the reception, which also included a performance by Moreland the Magician.

Art is on display throughout the library, including the community room on the ground level. Middle school art teacher Sheila Albanese said some of the pieces were completed as far in advance as the beginning of the school year, and students saved them to exhibit in the show.

Nick Calabrese, a seventh grader, said he was excited to have the chance to show his work to the public.

I’m very excited, to show everybody I can be good at something, he said. His sculpted clay face jug, modeled after those made by African slaves in the 1800s, is on display at the library.

Nick’s father, Michael, said the show was a wonderful chance to highlight the many talented students.

Albanese also mentioned the abundance of young talent she has encountered at Solvay throughout her first year teaching in the district.

They love art, Albanese said of the students. There are a lot of talented artists here in Solvay, and they are so excited about art.

Albanese also acknowledged that many parents are very involved with their children, as evidenced by the attendance at the reception.

Third grader Sara Laduke was happy that she got to show other people her work, and her father, Mark, appreciated the exposure the show allowed his daughter.

It’s a good thing to get kids involved in, he said.

Many parents also said it was the first time they had been in the library since the re-opening in February following major renovations.

Though the show includes pieces of a variety of mediums and subject matter, some have a deeper meaning to both the artist and the viewer.

Cody Koslowski’s piece, Pollution, is a series of images portraying what he believes the effects of pollution will be on the earth.

The eighth grader like being able to show people how he thinks of pollution visually, without having to talk.

In another area of the show, an oversized paper mache pretzel, snow cone, ice cream sundae and caramel apple served more purpose than making viewers hungry.

The works, modeled after sculptor Claes Oldenburg’s large-scale pieces, were inspired by the upcoming Full Plate Dinner fundraiser.

This is sort of our version of a public art statement, Nadzen said of the pieces.

The Solvay Union Free School District art department will hold the annual Full Plate Dinner Wednesday, May 7, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. From 5 to 5:30 seniors will be treated to an early bird special. In addition to hot food, drinks and dessert, live music and a silent art auction will take place.

Money raised through the dinner will go to food pantries at Our Lady of Peace and St. Cecilia’s churches.

Student’s art will remain on display at the library for a few weeks; there is no set end date to the show, the teachers said.

Meanwhile, young artists at Solvay High School are gearing up for a public showing of their own.

Students’ work will be on display throughout May at Provisions Bakery and Restaurant, 216 Walton Street in Armory Square, Syracuse.