One of the unexpected benefits of parenthood, in my experience, is that it frees you to embrace opportunities you might have otherwise overlooked. It’s like the cynicism that might have carried over from your own teenage angst washes away, and you’re able to fully embrace wholesome experiences like picnics and camping. I’m planning to take my kid to the Middle Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition at The Parthenon, and together we can share a kind of vicarious pride for all these talented developing artists. It won’t be a stretch — there are some truly astonishing works on display here. Now in its 18th year, the Tennessee Art Education Association’s annual exhibition features 187 winning works, which were selected from more than 830 pieces submitted by students in sixth through 12th grades from Middle Tennessee schools. Many mediums are represented — from ceramics and computer graphics to photography and printmaking. One standout piece is a mixed-media work from Catharine Hollifield — a playful garden scene built from a mosaic of square paper fragments, textiles, cutout butterflies and a variety of other elements that showcases the breadth of work on display.
Through Feb. 28 at The Parthenon
2500 West End Ave.
