Youth Art at the Pacific NorthWest Art School is back in full swing this year. Winter session saw 14 students in grades three to seven engaged in an eight-week after-school program, with five of those students receiving full scholarships.

The current spring session has 10 youngsters in the third through sixth grade session led by Karen Merrill, and five students in the seventh through 12th grade session led by Jon Aesoph.

Seven of the spring session students received scholarships, making a total of 12 youth scholarships awarded this year.

Due to the past generous donations of art funds from the combined families of Elisa Older and Carol Peralta, PNWAS continues to make opportunities available for youth in the community.

Older was a local artist whose life was tragically cut short in 1998 when she became the victim of a drunk driving accident. Peralta was a long-time resident of the island and great supporter of the arts and the art school. She died of cancer in 2004.

However, for PNWAS to continue to offer youth scholarships, the school needs the community’s help to replenish the funds for youth art scholarships.

Each session costs $200 and includes all supplies.

Students participating in the Youth Art program will have an exhibition of their work on Thursday, June 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the art school, located at 15 NW Birch St. in Coupevillle. Come by and support the students, their instructors and consider donating to the program.

For more information, call 678-3396 or visit www.pacificnorthwestartschool.org.