SILER CITY — Jordan-Matthews High School artists will help everyone “look at the world around you” during a juried art exhibition scheduled for October 23 in Siler City.

“The World Around You: A Celebration of Art” will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. in the JM Media Center. The one-hour exhibition, planned and presented by Art III/IV students, is free and includes a reception with light refreshments.

The show is inspired by “Under the Sea," a featured number from JM’s upcoming musical production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” which offers three performances only from November 15 to 17.

Art teacher Rahma Mateen-Mason said advanced students are interpreting the theme in many different mediums, while concentrating on observation, identity and perspective. Art I students are using an "Under the Sea” theme, drawn directly from the song’s title, to create art based on sea life, both real and imaginary.

Cash awards will be presented with $100 for the work judged by professional artists as first-place and $50 for the work judged as second-place in the show.

“The World Around You: A Celebration of Art” is being presented with assistance from JMArts, the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with about 90 members and five organizational partners working to provide what JM artists need to excel.

More information about the foundation, including how to become a member, is available online at JMArts.org. Tickets to Disney's "The Little Mermaid" are now on sale at JMArtsTickets.com.

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JM senior Axel Vera works on his piece for "The World Around You: A Celebration of Art" during Rahma Mateen-Mason's Honors Art VI class.