Newtown Middle School art teacher Arlene Spoonfeather estimated that 30 eighth grade art enrichment students currently have 45 pieces on view at Mine Art Gallery, 117 Church Hill Road.

The exhibit opened for family and friends of the students on Saturday, January 10, during an afternoon private showing that had the space filled with people looking at the works and speaking with the artists.

The show, called “Identity,” will be up through January 24. The show consists of art work based on the artists fingerprints and individual small independent works, Ms Spoonfeather said.

On Saturday, as students mingled with parents and friends, Ms Spoonfeather explained that gallery owner Allison Hornak offered the space for the students. Ms Hornak, Ms Spoonfeather said, is a former art enrichment student.

Ms Hornak, a 2005 NHS graduate, said she wanted to give the eighth grade art enrichment students something “more.” She added later the exhibit is a chance for the students to have “a real art show for them to be artists for the day.”

Having art work on display, Ms Hornak said, is a different experience that students do not usually get.

The exhibit is open Wednesdays to Fridays, through January 24, from 3 pm to 6 pm, Saturdays from noon to 7 pm, Sundays from 11 am until 1 pm, and by appointment by calling 203-770-8759 or e-mailing mine.art.space@gmail.com.