TUPELO – Carlyle Smith spent 10 minutes Thursday afternoon scanning the walls of the GumTree Museum of Art for her “Hands.”

When Carlyle finally spotted the painting of three colorful hands about seven feet up on the west wall, she was elated. It was her first entry in the Tupelo Public School District’s “Shared Treasures” student art exhibit.

“It feels great. It’s awesome,” said Carlyle, a fifth-grader at Pierce Street Elementary School.

“Hands” was one of nearly 500 paintings, collages and sculptures on display during a reception for the student artists, their families and the public.

The works were created by children from kindergarten to sixth grade at Carver, Church Street, Lawhon, Milam, Joyner, Rankin, Pierce Street, Thomas Street, Lawndale and Parkway elementary schools, as well as King Early Childhood Education Center.

Carlyle’s mother, Jenny Smith, was among those impressed by the students’ talent.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for them to share what they’re learning in art and admire the artwork other people are doing,” she said.

The reception was sponsored by the Daily Journal.

Today is the final day of the “Shared Treasures” exhibit. The Lee County School District’s art exhibit, “Impressions,” will be featured March 16-30 at the art museum with the public reception March 25.

Contact Bobby Pepper at (662) 678-1592 or bobby.pepper@djouranl.com