Walking into the Dartmouth Cultural Center this weekend, visitors were likely wowed by the skill and creativity of the exhibiting artists even before they learned something surprising: each artist is a student at Dartmouth High School. Beginning with an opening on Friday, Nov. 23 and continuing through Sunday, Nov. 25, the DCC hosted a show of young artists creating work in a variety of mediums and styles, including colored pencil, oil pastel, photography, and collage.

“This is the first show I’ve had my pieces in and I can bring my friends and family to see,” said Kate Jones, a senior with several drawings in the show.

Many of the students are in the Advanced Placement art class, which requires students to create a portfolio showcasing the breadth of their work along with a concentrated look into a particular subject.

“Mostly I’m trying to figure out what my style is,” said Rebecca Benoit, another senior who is working on her applications to art school. Two of her pieces on display highlight her other interests, dance and music.

One, a drawing of hands playing a flute, has a background of collaged sheet music from past shows by the marching band, which she is a part of. Another is a portrait of dancing feet in ballet shoes and well-worn Converse sneakers.

Benoit said that in her art, like in dance and music, she tends to improvise and is interested in layering, colors, and movement.

The young artists’ work will be on display on Sunday from 11 to 3 at the Old Southworth Library, 404 Elm Street. For more information about the Cultural Center, go to www.dartmouthculturalcenterinc.org.