The Clayton Center’s first art exhibition of 2013 is a joint presentation by Clayton Visual Arts and the Woman’s Club of Clayton.

The exhibit features all-local work in a variety of subjects and expertise, ranging from student pieces to polished creations from established artists, said spokeswoman June Lioret.

Lioret said the student art represents entries in the annual Woman’s Club’s Clubwomen and Student Art Festival, said Brenda Gay, co-chairperson of the competition.

Also on display during January are works from artist-members of Clayton Visual Arts—John Farr, Carolyn Howard, Kathleen Nobles, Larry Pendry, Janie Prete, Linda Strevig and Jo Tucker.

The exhibition, which runs until Jan. 31, is free, and open to the public.

There’s a reception at The Clayton Center, 111 E. Second St., 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 to honor all artists exhibiting in January.

This event is also open to the public and light refreshments—cookies, fruit, cheese, nuts, punch—will be served. The reception is free, and dress is casual.

Students from five area schools—Clayton High School, Corinth Holders High, West Johnston High, Clayton Middle School and Archer Lodge Middle, plus students in art teacher Emily Brown’s home-schooled classes—have entered 60-75 arts and crafts pieces in the festival.

Clubwomen have entered about 20 pieces.

First- and second-place winners will be chosen in all arts, crafts and photography categories

In addition, a performing arts competition for students (music, drama, public speaking) is part of the festival, and performances and judging will be at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at First Baptist Church on North Fayetteville Street.

Schools involved in the performing arts include Kindermusik & Voice of Clayton, Neighborhood Academy of Music, Garner/Clayton Piano Studios, Clayton High and several private music teachers in Clayton.

First-place student winners in all categories will receive a cash prize. Second-place winners will receive ribbons.

In the clubwoman competition, first- and second-place winners will receive ribbons.

Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod and the Town Council have proclaimed January “Student Month,” said Gay.

McLeod and Clayton Visual Arts President Larry Strevig will present the awards at the Jan. 10 reception.

First-place works by students and clubwomen will advance to Woman’s Club district competition on Feb. 9 in Oriental.

Those placing first in district will advance to state competition at Campbell University in Buies Creek March 9.

The Clayton Center is open from 9 to 5 Monday-Friday.

The January exhibition is sponsored jointly by Clayton Visual Arts and the Woman’s Club of Clayton. The club’s arts competition is an annual event.

Clayton Visual Arts, Inc., is a nonprofit, 501 (c) 3 organization and is funded in part by a grant from the Town of Clayton’s Cultural Arts Fund. It also receives support from the Woman’s Club.