Most often, young artists are thought of as tots wielding crayons, trying to stay in the lines or creating primitive portraits endearing only to their families. Three exhibits currently at The Jacksonville Center demonstrate how far beyond those expectations the works of young artists can be. All three exhibits will be honored at a reception on Saturday, Jan, 9 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Currently in the Hayloft Gallery is a rare, one-artist exhibit featuring the works of Karen Carrino, a prolific and talented artist who was killed in 1972 in a car accident; Karen was 19. The earliest of the featured works is a sketch of a round-bellied toddler, created when the artist was only 14.

An Instructors’ Choice exhibit of works by students at Floyd County High School is currently on display in the Breezeway Gallery. Instructors Sarah Marston and Joel Pratt introduced students to concepts including color harmonies, portraiture, use of negative space, digital photography, and more. Works were selected based on effort, creativity, understanding of the medium and execution of technique.

The young artists’ exhibits are rounded out with the youngest group, spanning the ages of 7 to 13. These students from The Blue Mountain School learned about Mandalas and the color purple with instructor Lora Leigh Giessler. Using techniques like meditation and concepts like Abstract Expressionism, students were encouraged to develop their awareness, concentration and insight through the creation of art. Blue Mountain School art work will be on display in Giessler’s studio at the center throughout January.

The public is invited to meet some of the young artists as well as Karen Carrino’s sister, Deborah, and some of the collectors of Karen’s work at the reception on Jan. 9. Refreshments will be provided at this free event. In the event of inclement weather, the reception will be moved to Saturday, Jan. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m.. For more information, visit www.jacksonvillecenter.org or call 540.745.2784.