(Submitted photo)

Visitors to the upcoming Dogwood Fine Arts Festival are encouraged to bring the family and roam a pair of sculpture gardens crafted by Dowagiac elementary students from recycled materials.

The city’s young artists will participate in the 25th anniversary season of the Dogwood festival with their own creative take on how art and community can help one another thrive.

Dowagiac Elementary Art Teacher, Ashley Hamlet, is the leader of this young take on the arts.

Students from Patrick Hamilton and Kincheloe Schools will display their “Funky Junk” art creations in sculpture gardens at their schools

The displays will be at the Patrick Hamilton Garden, at 614 Spruce St., and at the Kincheloe Garden, at corner of Twin Lakes Road and Gage Street.

On display will be:

• “Junk Flowers” by the kindergarteners

• “Junk Garden Critters” by the first graders

• “Little Stick People with Big Messages” by the second graders

• “Junk Creatures with Personality” by the third graders

• “Little Junk Lanterns and Mobiles” by the fourth graders

• “Positive Message Sculptures” by the fifth graders.

The gardens are free and open to the public May 6-15 during daylight hours.

For more information, about this and other Dogwood Festival events call (269) 782-1115 or visit www.dogwoodfinearts.org