Every spring Mason City Schools has a District Art Show, which is always at the same time as the high school spring musical. Because there are so many students in the district, the art teachers are limited in the number of artwork that can be displayed.

The highlight of the show every year is the 4th grade Little Pig Gig pig pen. When the pig project is over, students who want their pigs to be considered for the show put them in the "voting booth" next to a container with a slot in the lid. Some students choose not to have their pig voted on, which is OK! Each student gets to vote for two different pigs (they may vote for their own pig, but only once) by dropping a poker chip in the slot. Students are not told how many votes their pigs received, to lessen the chance of hurt feelings. The two pigs that receive the most votes will be in the District Art Show. Those students get an invitation about 2 weeks before the show.

Ms. Moschell also chooses some 2-dimensional artwork for the show, about 20-30 pieces, which is a very small percentage of the over 800 4th grade students. Every student wants his or her artwork in the show, and it is unfortunate that this is not possible; however, during the school year every 4th grader has had more than one artwork displayed in the hallway "class art galleries." Students who continue to take art classes in middle school and high school will have many more chances to see their work in the District Art Show.

Dr. Bright, the superintendent, chooses one artwork from each grade level from the District Art Show to "rent" for a year. He pays the student $20 of his own money, and keeps the artwork in a special gallery in his office. The students get the artwork back the following year (but they don't have to give back the money). This is a very special way that Dr. Bright shows support for young artists in our district. He usually chooses a pig from the District Art Show pig pen. Parents, if your child is confused about this, please explain that there will be approximately 64 pigs in the pig pen, and being voted to have one's pig in the show is not a guarantee of receiving the $20. Just being in the show is an honor, and Ms. Moschell sincerely hopes that the 63 pigs who don't get to live in Dr. Bright's office are still happy they were in the art show and that their owners are proud of themselves as well.