"The festival showcases what the students can do with art, science and poetry," high school art teacher Eric Stachnick said.

Stachnick and fellow organizers Jef Wind and Stan Cacitti have watched the idea grow from an art show to an all-school event, where parents are able to view projects from various disciplines.

This year's show is scheduled for May 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the school's arts building, 2001 Cottle Ave.

Wind said they wanted to "showcase the authentic work" the students were doing.

"We did not want our school to be defined by just standardized tests," Wind said.

The teachers also use the event to raise money for their arts department.

Stachnick said the art classes have been "running on bare bones" because of ongoing budget cuts, making fundraising critical to the program's survival.

During last year's show, the teachers raffled off Wind's artwork, raising approximately $600 for the department.

Though the teachers have not decided how to raise funds at this year's show, Stachnik said the organizers hope to auction or raffle off teacher art again.

In addition to the student exhibits, the high school choir, led by Jonathan Ulrich, and the jazz band, led by guitar teacher Bill Resch, will perform.