The LaGrange International Friendship Exchange held its second annual high school art show at the Cochran Gallery Friday evening.

The pieces shown were a reflection of each high school artists heritage, said LIFE board member Nancy Olney. She said each student had to research their ancestry and create pieces from it.

Olney said the event combines the students’ talents while also taking part in LIFE.

“The high schoolers are putting out amazing work and to be able to utilize LIFE to bring the awareness of their heritage, who they are, through their art and through an example, it’s my pleasure to do that,” Olney said.

The art show was also a competition. Greysen Stumpler won first place for a duct tape portrait “Study of and Asian Girl.”  Kati Gilbert came in second place for “Modern Miracle” and Maggie Blakely came in third for “Untitled.” Lila Phurrough won honoral mention for “Ruby.”

Gallery co-owner Wesley Cochran said him and his wife, Missy, enjoy hosting the show at their building.

“We’re very proud, it has really been a pleasure to participate in that and have the gallery and being able to showcase their work,” Cochran said. “Hopefully, it will just create more and more momentum. I think it’s wonderful we’re having this international festival. It’s really a good thing.”

Olney said LIFE enjoys having this event as a part of the international festival.

“We enjoy doing this and bringing the opportunity, we would like to bring awareness of what all is in our community and who all makes up our community,” she said.

The festival continued Saturday on Main Street. Twenty one countries were represented by tents and performers danced on the main stage.

On Sunday, a Sept. 11 tribute concert was held.