NATCHEZ — Tucked away in the back of ArtsNatchez Gallery lies something of which 10-year-old Kelvin Frye is proud.

Beneath a red sign with McLaurin Elementary written in black and white letters, is Frye’s drawing of a horse.

“I like how people came in and looked at all the photos and asked me which one I had,” Frye said. “I love horses.”

Thirty McLaurin Elementary students grades kindergarten through fifth have their art on display at the gallery this month.

McLaurin art teacher Mary Beth Wentworth said the opportunity to show the children’s art is beneficial for the students.

“They’ll work harder for a display than for grades,” Wentworth said. “That’s what art is for, to be seen.”

The students’ art will be on display until Jan. 12.

Barbara Kaiser, who works and has art displayed in the gallery, said the art display is great for students.

“We like to get schools to participate in this,” Kaiser said.

Wentworth said she enjoys seeing how proud some of the students, such as Frye, are about their work.

“He was really proud of himself,” Wentworth said. “A lot of these kids don’t get the opportunity to be proud. They can really do some incredible things.”

Among the art displayed are self-portraits done by third to fifth graders and fruit bowl still-lifes done by first graders.

Wentworth said she chose most of the pieces at random, because she wanted to give the children a fair chance to show their work.

Frye said he enjoys his art class and loved seeing his art on display.

“I’m excited,” Frye said. “Sometimes when we make art, we get to do our own thing. I like how you can express your feelings.”