If you are looking for something fun and free to do this weekend, you’re in luck.

The annual Arts Festival will be held at Fauquier High School on March 23 from 6-8 p.m. and March 24 from noon to 3 p.m. The event will showcase student art from all county schools. This is just one of the many things art programs are doing to celebrate Youth Art Month.

On March 10, young artists from across the county had the opportunity to showcase their talent at the Main Street “art walk.” People from around the county had an opportunity to stroll through the Main Street gallery and see all the student work.

“It is important for all student artists display their work to the public,” Christena Smith, art teacher, said. “It allows our community to enjoy their work and realize that we have a very talented population.”

The National Art Honor Society, NAHS, has been working on several projects in honor of Youth Art Month.

“The NAHS is currently working on a little ‘gift’ for teachers,” Smith said.

Sophomore Maddie Green is a current art student at Kettle Run. She looks forward to Youth Art Month each year.

“I like Youth Art Month because it gives even more opportunities to do projects and improve the community,” Green said.

Senior Camryn Bosko said her art classes have taught her more than just art concepts.

“Art has taught me creativity and to be different from other people,” Bosko explained.

Sophomore Abigail Spota has also learned important lessons from her time in art classes.

“Art has, so far, taught me to be very patient and to not get upset when you mess up,” Spota explained.

After spending a few years in art classes, artists quickly learn their prefered mediums and draw inspiration from some of their favorite artists.

“I prefer pencils as an artistic medium because you can really see the story in the markings,” said sophomore Ryan Roeber. “KC Chamberlain is my favorite artist, I find his work so beautiful and fascinating.”

“My favorite artistic medium is paint, it has so much more character and personality,” Green said. “My favorite artist is Frida Kahlo because she portrays herself so well in her art.”

Bosko and Spota prefer to use their hands and work with clay.

“I like to work with clay because I like to feel it come alive in my fingers,” Bosko said.

“It’s very hands on and fun to play with,”Spota said.

Earlier this year, the NAHS hosted a fundraiser, using clay, called the Empty Bowl Project. Artists spent hours sculpting and glazing bowls for the January 11 event. The night of the event, the group sold the bowls for $10 each. Buyers could fill the bowl with their choice of vegetarian, chicken, or regular chili. More than 50 bowls were sold that night and all proceeds were donated to the Fauquier Food Bank.