Student Artists Deck the Walls at Amici's

The Third Art Lease Silent Auction to benefit the Art Department and student art education is under way through Nov. 12 at .

Along the walls of Amici's, patrons will find artwork from local students, some learning the fundamentals and others exercising their imaginations.

A variety of framed pieces – including watercolor paintings, collages and landscapes – can be found hanging over tables filled with signature pizzas and martinis.

But the new additions are not just meant to accessorize the establishment. Amici's is offering the exhibit as part of the Third Art Lease Silent Auction, which will benefit the Art Department and student art education.

The framed art will be "leased" to the highest bidders for one year. After that, the pieces will be returned to the students.

Among the items up for bid are:

• first-grader Christopher Campbell's Ancient Greek Vase. A description reads: "After looking closely at a large poster of an ancient Greek vase, Christopher used a variety of lines to decorate his vase. Greek vases often have pictures depicting some aspect of life. Christopher drew a dinosaur as it is one of his favorite subjects. He used watercolor to add more color and beauty to his piece."

• third-grader Timar McGibbon's Abstract Textured Collage. A description reads: "Timar took a piece of canvas and by mixing acrylic paint, covered the surface. He then added a piece of manipulated burlap. Lastly, Timar added pastel chalk for the finishing touch."

• eighth-grader Erin Trip's Watercolor Explosion. A description reads: "Erin had to first create a design that carried off the edges of the paper. Inside the design, she had to fil it with free-form shapes that fit together like puzzle pieces."

Visit Amici's or call (248) 544-4100 to bid on the pieces.