The O'Kane Gallery at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) made the call and more than 15 Greater Houston high schools answered.

Since its beginnings, the Gallery's mission and vision is to serve as a focal point for art exhibits and activities that mirror the campus and the city's vitality and ethnic diversity.

And, it still continues today.

O'Kane Gallery is presenting its annual High Art exhibition featuring student works from high school art programs throughout the city. This year's schools are: DeBakey High School, Heights High School, Westbury High School, Waltrip High School, Episcopal High School, High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Carvey High School, Elsik High School, Bellaire High School, Westside High School, Caney Creek High School, Cypress Woods High School, Cypress Fall High School, KIPP Houston High School, and The Woodlands College Park High School.

The exhibition will feature a variety of media—sculpture, painting, drawing, jewelry and ceramics—selected by the teachers at the participating schools.

nd themes presented is always diverse."

This collaboration began around 1995 when then O'Kane Gallery director Ann Trask joined forces with art patron Jim Seigler, a former vice president of the former Foley's Department Stores. Jim and his wife, Ellen, continue to fund the exhibition each year and are generous supporters of the arts at UHD.

"We want to thank the teachers who participate each year in the High Art show," said Baker. "It requires extra effort on their part to give their students this enrichening experience. Many go the extra mile, from packing to delivering the artwork to UHD, to esnure that their students benefit from this opportunity. 

We also want to thank the Seigler's for their support of UHD arts."

The exhibition will run May 13-20 with an opening reception on May 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Gallery.

O'Kane Gallery hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday and noon - 5 p.m. on Saturday.

To learn more, visit the O'Kane Gallery.