ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — A highly anticipated exhibit of the area’s graduating art students, chosen by their professors and/or deans, opens June 11 at the Orange Beach Art Center.

The graduates’ exhibit will include a diverse range of styles and mediums.

Among the students exhibiting as “Emerging Artists” are the University of West Florida’s Molly Bowen (abstract painting) and Daniel Gonzalez (mixed media, video); Springhill College’s Matt Carpenter (ceramics); University of South Alabama’s Skye Murrill (painting) and April Hopkins (figurative ceramics); and University of Mobile’s Laura Phillips (drawing, painting).

The Friends of the Arts Inc. and Orange Beach Art Center began the Visiting Artists and Special Exhibits Series in 2009. One of the objectives is to attract diverse artists from the Southeast to exhibit their works.

An important component of this mission is to encourage serious student artists who have chosen to pursue a formal education in visual arts at the university level.

To accomplish this goal Friends of the Arts Inc. and Orange Beach Art Center created the “Emerging Artists” exhibit to draw attention to the works of chosen graduating artists.

The hope is that this annual exhibition will enhance the careers of young artists by providing exposure, experience and encouragement.

The artists’ reception will be held June 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at OBAC, 26389 Canal Road. It is located next to the Waterfront Park.

For more information, call (251) 752-3133, or visit www.orangebeachartcenter.com.

To help support these and many other programs at the Orange Beach Art Center, join Friends of the Arts Inc. Contact Gloria Bridges at (251) 981-2227 for more information about the nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the arts on the Alabama Gulf Coast.