For the tenth year Notre Dame Academy students will showcase their artwork February 7--11 at The Byrne Gallery in Middleburg. The Tenth Annual Exhibition, entitled "10-2-10" (10th Anniversary, February 10th is an exhibition of inspired and imaginative works of art created by Notre Dame Academy art students. Notre Dame Academy art instructors and contemporary visual artists Wayne Paige and Matthew Plumb work with the students to educate them on the process of how artists exhibit their work. This includes a review of the artwork, selection, presentation, determining the price of the work, and promotion: invitations, press releases, openings/receptions, and critiques/reviews.

The Exhibition is a jurored show, as local artist Linda Hughes is lending her talent to the juror process for the seventh year. Hughes, from Middleburg, will be on hand to review the displayed works. Ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, and mixed-medium will be presented with awards and prizes given in each category. Each year, merchants and local businesses applaud the students' progress by donating prizes to the award recipients. The community's enthusiastic support of the arts has helped to make the exhibition an annual celebration of young artist.

The Sixth Annual Mrs. Susan Byrne Purchase Prize Award will be awarded to the best work in the show. This award is dedicated to Mrs. Susan Byrne, mother of the gallery owner and lifelong art teacher who did so much in inspiring young artists. Last year's recipient was Taylor Welsh whose ceramic piece was added to Notre Dame Academy's permanent collection of award recipients. Previous winners include Missy Cormak/Kelsey Struder (2005), Inslee Haynes (2004), Kelsey Struder (2003), Constance Wilson (2002) and Min uk Jung (2001).

The "10-2-10" exhibit will be on display February 7-11 and is open to the public. A reception and awards presentation will be held on Saturday, February 10 from 2:00 -- 5:30 p.m.. Most of the work is for sale and is affordably priced. Regular Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m. For additional information, please call 540.687.6986.