That first exhibition is a moment of pride for any artist. At Nansemond Parkway Elementary School on Tuesday, more than 100 students will experience the thrill during the school’s first gala art show.

Bonnie Berryman, president of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association and event organizer with art teacher Qua Cummings, said the idea is to focus on the rich creative talent of students.

“We are very excited about hosting this,” she said.

The show will be held in the gym from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., she said. Entertainment and light refreshments are planned, with entry costing $8 per family. Proceeds will go to the PTA and the art department.

March is Youth Art Month, which Cummings said is a time to celebrate the positive impact involvement in art has on children.

“For one, it really helps them to express their feelings without having to speak about them,” she said. “Some children aren’t very vocal, but art is a way for them to get that out.”

By incorporating subjects like math, school art helps children learn core lessons, she said. “It’s a fun way for them to learn without having to sit at a desk,” she added. “Some students are visual learners, so art is very important for them.”

Work from students of all grade levels will feature in the exhibition. Mediums represented will include papier mache, mixed media, printmaking and tempera and acrylic painting, according to Cummings.

“Mostly I come up with the themes that they work on, but they are allowed to be creative and expand that theme,” she said.

“For example, it may be a simple self-portrait; they are allowed to elaborate and expand what that self-portrait might be.”

Berryman and Cummings said the exhibition is already generating a lot of interest among the Braves community.

The PTA has presented a special invitation to each child in the exhibition, Berryman said, and they are being encouraged to come to the event dressed for the occasion.

Cummings said, “I’ve gotten a lot of feedback from all the students … even the ones that don’t have a piece in the art show.”

Families of all Nansemond Parkway students are being encouraged to support the inaugural event, which will include a silent auction of the papier mache masks.

“Students here at Nansemond Parkway really seem to love art, and they are very excited, whether they have a piece or not,” Cummings said.

Tickets will be available at the door. For more information, contact Berryman on 478-4901 or at bonnieberryman@williamewood.com.