Students of Suffolk Public Schools who have a knack for the visual arts will be getting their 15 minutes of fame on Oct. 22 at the Old Dominion University Tri-Cities Higher Education Center.

From 5 to 6 p.m., students, their families and the general public are all welcome to come support the children and check out a display of the students’ artwork for free. While Thursday is the opening of the display, it will remain up through the end of February, said Ellen McClintock, enrollment services specialist.

“All kinds of mediums are used,” McClintock said of the displayed artwork. Some students use watercolor paint; others use chalk, oil pastel, pencil or a variety of others.

“Their versatility is unbelievable,” McClintock said. “I like the ingenuity that they show.” She mentioned that many young artists depicted snow in the spring collection. The students take what they’ve seen in their own lives and incorporate it into their work, she said.

The center has been holding this event for the past five or six years, McClintock said. The former director of the center, Barry Smith, approached officials of the nearby public school systems regarding this idea.

Now, twice a year, about 30 Suffolk students, ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade, get to show off their artwork.

“I like to see the enthusiasm,” McClintock said. “The students feel a real sense of pride in having them displayed in a university setting.” This is done with both the Chesapeake and Portsmouth school systems as well, she said.

Throughout the event, guests can enjoy beverages and dessert as they peruse the artwork, McClintock said.

The pieces will be on display on the second floor of the center, located at 1070 University Blvd. in Portsmouth.

Hours for viewing are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays as it correlates with the school’s yearly schedule, she said.

The Old Dominion University Tri-Cities Higher Education Center is a satellite campus where students can take their courses at a location a little closer to home. They offer upperclassmen and graduate level classes for students studying business, engineering, education and more. To learn more, go to www.odu.edu/tricities.