Students across Lauderdale County are busy this week putting finishing touches on their entries for the school district’s eighth annual special education art show this weekend.

Fifty-nine students from throughout Lauderdale County schools will participate in the show with their art (paintings) on display at Regency Square Mall Feb. 1-15. Winners will be announced Feb. 16.

A panel of judges will determine the winner, awarding Best of Show to the overall winning piece. There will also be a People’s Choice award given, which will be decided by the voting public.

Last year, 650 votes were cast in the People’s Choice category, according to art teacher Sonya Skipworth.

“This show is about showing the public what we see every day, what these students can do instead of any limitations they may have,” Skipworth said. “The interest in this show has grown phenomenally. And, it’s competitive. These students have worked hard and they want to win.”

For the past three years, Brooks High School student Evan Threet has won Best of Show.

This year, Tim “Tater” Scott is out to take the title with his landscape painting of a tree-lined lake with nature’s reflections on the water.

In the corner of the painting is an “A,” reflective of Scott’s passion for Alabama athletics.

“I was second last year and I don’t want to be second again,” Scott said. “I took a picture off my cell phone and painted it. I’m hoping it wins.”

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 256-740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@TimesDaily.com.