By McKinnley Bartles

Fresh 23 is an art gallery with nothing but students’ hard work and dedication with a hint of excitement and a dash of Vans, everybody’s favorite shoe company.

This special event is a celebration of the advanced painters in Wheat Ridge’s Studio 23. This all started eight years ago when the Wheat Ridge art department wanted to compete for the best decorated shoes along with other schools all around Jeffco.

Now the event has evolved into much more than that. Sponsors from all around Denver come and support by donating their time and products. Vans is one of the biggest supporters of this event. This year there will be no competition due to issues last year, giving the program more leeway and less restriction on creativity.

Many students are very happy about that. Junior, Serena Sims, a participant in Fresh 23 this year, spoke out and said, “Our theme this year is food, and we have all our groups decided and ready to start planning. So far the whole show is looking great. I really feel like this year is going to be amazing. And we can’t wait for everyone to come and see it in April.”

Fresh 23 rolls around once every spring and its coming up fast. There is a different theme every year and this year it is Fresh Food. This year, the spectacular art gallery/fashion show will be held in the Wheat Ridge Auditorium on April 25, at 6:00 p.m. The price of tickets has yet to be determined but will be announced at a later date.