WEST POINT — Following their successful Dia de Los Muertos art exhibit in Lanett, West Point Fine Arts will be hosting another, similar themed exhibit featuring pieces created by students of five different counties.

On Thursday, Nov. 1, the American day of observing the holiday, the upstairs half of Joe’s Tex Mex in downtown West Point will be converted into an exhibit space. Between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. students from Chambers, Troup, Harris and Meriwether Counties will show off over 90 pieces to community members, peers and art show judge and local artist Becky Guinn.

Prizes will be given out at the end of the night for third, second and first place, best in show and honorable mentions.

“Technique and impact I think would be the two largest components on the judging,” said WPFA founder Thea McElvey. “Does the work pull together well? Do the students understand the methods they were using? Overall, all of the components will be judged on.”

The other components being looked for include originality, neatness, composition and creativity. McElvey said that the latter component is what prompted WPFA to hold the show for local student creators.

“I don’t think some people understand how incredibly talented some of these students are or that our kids have this going on and how blessed we are that our schools have these classes now,” she said. “The teachers are too. To be able to get the work out of these students is amazing because without the teachers being there and the schools supporting the arts, kids wouldn’t have this opportunity.”

She said that in addition to building the confidence and validation of the students putting their work out in the public eye, she hopes the exhibit will show area schools how vital art can be to a lot of developing kids.

“I want the school systems to recognize how important art is,” she said. “I didn’t have art in school… these school systems that do have art teachers, high five to them. There are so many creative learners that don’t get what they need in a regular school system. It’s a blessing to have that here.”

Those interested can find the exhibit in the 8th Street entrance to Joe’s Tex Mex on Thursday evening.