In a partnership with the Governor's School of North Carolina, the N.C. Museum of Art features the work of 19 gifted high school students from across the state in a student exhibition titled "Teens Riff on Rockwell."

Among those whose work is represented is Meirra Birath, of Southern Pines.

While attending a six-week summer residency program at Meredith College for the Governor's School East, the students responded collaboratively to paintings by Norman Rockwell in the "American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell" exhibition.

GSE Instructor Bill Fick, assisted by Gavin Hackeling, led the students in exploring contemporary ideas in the context of illustration. The students' work includes paintings and collage.

"The museum is excited to exhibit inventive, thought-provoking art by North Carolina teens. The works they've created not only refer to the genius of Norman Rockwell, but they also address issues and challenges faced by young people today in compelling and creative ways," said Sandy Rusak, NCMA director of education. "This artistic conversation between generations demonstrates the museum's statewide outreach to teens, as well as the Governor's School's emphasis on the integration of students' emerging insights into an understanding of themselves and their world."

"Teens Riff on Rockwell" is on view in the East Building on Level A in the NCMA GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Gallery. The student exhibition is free and open through Jan. 30.