Young Black Mountain artists display creative talents

Local primary and elementary schools host annual A+ Art Gala

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
April 4, 2025

The creativity of Black Mountain’s youngest artists was on display, April 4, as Black Mountain Primary and Elementary Schools welcomed students and their families to the third annual A+ Art Gala.

The exhibit, organized by the Black Mountain Schools PTO and hosted at the primary school, featured hundreds of pieces completed by students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Attendees were invited to wear “fancy clothes” or casual dress. They were greeted by Black Mountain Primary Principal Kelly Owen and Black Mountain Elementary Principal Michael Benigno. The works, which included paintings, musical instruments and other mixed media, were displayed throughout the school. Soft music was performed throughout the venue, where students escorted family members to the various displays.. .

Refreshments, including cheesecake, were served throughout the evening, as attendees gathered in the courtyard after viewing the exhibit.

The A+ Art Gala was established in 2023 to celebrate BMP’s designation as an A+ School of N.C., through the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, in partnership with the N.C. Arts Council.

Photos of the 3rd Annual Black Mountain Schools A+ Art Gala can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.