EAST LANSING - The Michigan State Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) had their kickoff VIP event for their 11th annual Student Art Exhibit on Thursday.

“We like this opportunity to showcase all of the high school art students in the lansing area,” said Whitney Anderson-Harrell, who is the Community Development Officer for the credit union. “This year we have 18 schools here, so it is just really awesome and we are excited to engage with the community.”

The exhibit showcased more than 180 art pieces in different art forms such as paintings, sketchings, photography, 3D pieces as well as the new category animations.

Haslett and Okemos High Schools have a combined total of 20 pieces displayed from 18 students. Okemos Senior, Xavier Bodary has two of his pieces on display.

“This is my first time being in this art show,” said Bodary, who was there checking out the other pieces. “I’ve been in a couple before but I really like this one. The building’s very beautiful and the way it’s presented is very nice.

There will be five different awards given out. The awards include the Social Media Award, The People’s Choice Awards, the School Spirit Award and the animation award. Two of the awards given out will be voted for by the public. People are able to cast their ballot at the MSUFCU headquarters.

“This art will be up through February 28th,” said Anderson-Harrell. “So we really encourage everyone to vote online as well, you can do that through MSUFCUart.com.”

The award ceremony will be held Wednesday, February 28 at 6 p.m. at the Michigan State Federal Credit Union Headquarters. The winners will win cash prizes.