The 26th Annual Owensboro Public Schools (OPS) Fine Arts Festival kicked off Monday night at the RiverPark Center, launching a celebration of student creativity and dedication. This year’s theme, “Artistic Intelligence,” highlights students’ diverse talents in performing and visual arts across the district.
Each night of the festival is dedicated to a different performing art. Monday night featured a performance by the orchestra. The remaining schedule includes:
- March 18 – Band, 7 p.m.
- March 19 – Theatre, 7 p.m.
- March 25 – Choir, 6 p.m. (Elementary) and 7:30 p.m. (Middle & High School)
- March 26 – Dance, 6 p.m. (Elementary) and 7:30 p.m. (Middle & High School)
OPS Fine Arts Coordinator Kara Smith emphasized the festival as the culmination of months of effort by both students and staff.
“When you attend this event, it’s really a cool experience because it’s evidence of all the hard work that has gone into preparation throughout the year,” Smith said. “It’s a snapshot of continuous dedication, and the festival represents that in a beautiful way.”
Beyond the scheduled performances, attendees can explore a district-wide visual art display at the RiverPark Center, featuring artwork from students of all ages. Elementary student groups also perform in the lobby before each event, ensuring that every branch of the arts is represented.
“This event is special not only because it’s been a tradition for 26 years, but also because of the incredible community support behind it,” Smith said. “To see families, school board members, and community members coming together to celebrate our students is amazing. It’s a unique experience for young artists to perform in a venue like the RiverPark Center, and we take great pride in offering them that opportunity.”
The festival’s long-standing success serves as a model for other school districts looking to implement similar events. Smith credited the collaborative efforts of teachers, staff, and departments across the district for making the festival possible.
“It truly takes a village,” Smith said. “From transportation and food service to administrators and teachers, so many people contribute to making this an unforgettable experience for our students.”
With its mix of music, theater, dance, and visual arts, the Fine Arts Festival continues to shine as a testament to the value of arts education in Owensboro. The event runs through March 26, with performances open to the public.