The Daviess County Public Schools Festival of the Arts kicked off Tuesday night at the Owensboro Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum, marking a decade of celebrating student creativity. Running through Thursday, this free event invites the community to experience a showcase of visual and performing arts from students across the district.
With representation from all DCPS schools, the festival highlights student talent in multiple disciplines, including choral music, instrumental performances, theatre, and visual arts. Doors open at 4 p.m. each night, offering visitors an immersive experience of student artistry.
Each evening features a diverse lineup of performances across multiple stages. The Woodward Theatre hosts choirs, orchestras, and specialty ensembles, while additional performances take place on the 1st Floor Lobby Stage and 3rd Floor Stage. The event also includes a Visual Art Gallery spread throughout the venue, with pieces from students in elementary, middle, and high schools.
Jason Smith, DCPS Fine Arts Coordinator, shared his excitement for his first year leading the festival.
“A lot of the artwork displayed has been in progress all year, and our teachers have carefully selected pieces to showcase the incredible talent of our students,” Smith said. “From 2D and 3D art to musical and theatrical performances, there’s a wide variety of creative expression on display.”
The festival provides students with a rare opportunity to perform in a professional setting. Due to space limitations, the festival focuses on smaller ensembles, including jazz bands, choirs, percussion ensembles, and theatrical performances.
“This event gives our students a platform to shine,” Smith said. “They love seeing their artwork and performances shared with the community, and this festival allows them to do it on a much bigger stage.”
In addition to the scheduled performances, the festival’s All-County Elementary Choir will bring together students from eight elementary schools to open the event with a collaborative performance.
Smith emphasized the importance of community support in making the festival a success.
“This is truly a celebration for everyone,” he said. “It’s free and open to the public, and we want to make sure people know they’re welcome to attend, even if they don’t have a child in the school system. It’s a chance for the entire community to come together and appreciate the talent and hard work of our students.”
The full schedule is as follows:
