Niles Community Schools is having its first art show for non-traditional students in the district.

The show will feature a melting pot of students from the district’s diverse non-traditional offerings, including online, homeschool and adult education. Students will have an opportunity to showcase their artistic creations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Jan. 17, at the Fort St. Joseph Museum.

The inaugural art show, which will be judged based on a variety of categories including photography, oils/acrylics, pencils/pastels and mixed media, is open to students’ families and the public.

“The Niles community has so much to offer in the way of resources for students, including access to such a wonderful museum like Fort. St. Joseph,” said Michael Lindley, interim superintendent. “Our non-traditional programs are a vital part of our school community and we are glad for the opportunity to have them come together in a creative environment to demonstrate the value they bring to Niles.”

The contest running in conjunction with the art show has a unique twist, as the attending public can participate in the People’s Choice Award.

Two lucky artists will be presented with awards based on receiving the most community votes.

The acting judges for the show will feature a panel of talented, local artists with prizes being awarded for all categories as well as People’s Choice.

Participants will range in age from 5 years old to adult and participants will hail from Niles Adult Education, Cedar Lane, Homeschool Partnership, WAY and WAY forward schools.