MEMPHIS, Tenn. (May 3, 2017) – As part of its 10th annual High School Visual Arts Competition, Memphis International Airport (MEM) will host an art exhibition and announce the winners of its art and photography contests on Thursday, May 4, from 7-9 p.m. The event will take place in the B Ticketing Lobby and all participating students, their families and the public are invited to attend.

The exhibition is part of the airport’s “Arts in the Airport” program. All Shelby County public high schools were invited to participate. The airport received 255 paintings and 145 photography submissions from more than 25 different schools. Of these, 45 painting finalists were chosen to have their work displayed in the airport. Another 29 photography entries will also be displayed throughout the concourses at various locations.

The top six entries in each category will earn cash and prizes from $50 to $300 and some winners will earn scholarships from the Memphis College of Art. The top three entries will be announced at the conclusion of Thursday evening’s event. Winners are selected by a panel of judges that includes local artists and photographers along with representatives from the College of Art, University of Memphis, the Withers Collection Museum & Gallery and the Dixon Gallery and Gardens.
 
Thursday night’s event will also feature food provided by the airport’s food and beverage tenants.
 
“We are extremely proud to be entering our 10th year supporting and encourage young local artists,” said Scott Brockman, President and CEO of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority. “For a decade now, Arts in the Airport has spotlighted the creativity, talent and imagination of our local high school students while adding a uniquely ‘Memphis’ element to the look and feel of our airport.”
 
Students are provided art supplies by the airport’s community foundation for the contest, and the finalists’ pieces are displayed throughout the airport for one year. Most pieces are available for purchase to the public, and all proceeds go to the student artist. Some airport retailers may also sell items that feature students’ artwork, with proceeds from those sales going to help purchase art supplies for the contest.