Since February, more than 20 middle and high school students have been creating original works of art focusing on developing their own artistic voice through new genres and techniques with support from University of Iowa art education students.

The results of their weekly workshop sessions will be on display at a reception from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, May 2, at United Action for Youth, 355 Iowa Ave. in Iowa City.

The event is free and open to the public and will features works as diverse as batiks, walnut ink drawings, comic books, and cement sculptures.

The art show is the capstone event for the United Action for Youth (UAY) School of the Arts, a collaborative studio arts program between UAY and the UI College of Education.

UAY, a local nonprofit organization, strives to nurture the potential of all youth to create, grow, and lead.

“The UI students have been tremendous mentors to the students from UAY," says Buffy Quintero, UI art education instructor. " They provided well-developed lessons that allowed for a high degree of creative problem solving and lots of artistic freedom. The UAY students have responded with gusto and have created some amazing works of art.”

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI events. If you require an accommodation to attend this reception and art show, contact Mickey Hampton at the UAY Youth Center in advance at 319-358-9406, Extension 607, or at Mickey.Hampton@unitedactionforyouth.org.

To learn more about the UAY, visit www.unitedactionforyouth.org.