Honesdale High School is home of a group of emerging young artists who recently earned local recognition.

Students from the high school – along with high schoolers from Wallenpaupack Area High School – submitted their pieces to the High School Emerging Artists Showcase hosted by the Art Factory of White Mills.

Honesdale High School students who participated in the recent showcase. Left to right: Brianna Smith, Julia Higgins, Joanna DiBenedetto, Alex Morris, Rebecca Bunnell, Tina Borchert, and Cheyenne Friscia.

Proprietor Jerry Davis said 16 students entered the competition.

“Each student was allowed to bring four pieces,” he said. “We had a pretty good turnout” for the event, Davis added.

These emerging artists set up tables outside, and each was judged by a panel made up of artists currently exhibiting in the facility. “We have a total of 50-some artists that are predominately local inside,” Davis said.

The students held their own, and each offered a unique perspective.

“The quality and talent these kids have is mind-blowing,” Davis said. “Their work is phenomenal.”

The entries consisted predominately of paintings and drawings, Davis said.

Honesdale High School Art Teacher Kathy Higgins was excited to announce a total of seven students will display their work.

“We had two students win 10 weeks of gallery space and two students win five weeks,” she beamed.

Sophomore Julia Higgins and Senior Brianna Smith will have their work displayed for 10 weeks, while Seniors Rebecca Bunnell and Cheyenne Friscia will show their pieces for five.

“This was a huge opportunity for our students,” Higgins said. “They got the chance to talk to artists and get a critique from professionals.”

The Hornet artists provided pieces including sculpture, mixed media, photography and painting. Higgins added that just being around the work of professional artists was beneficial for the students.

“That environment was energizing for them,” she said.

To check out the variety of pieces from students across the area, visit the Art Factory at White Mills, 736 Texas Palmyra Highway daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information on the Factory, find them on Facebook at The Art Factory of White Mills, at www.theartfactoryofwhitemills. com or by calling 570-251-1181.