The halls of Mount Baker Secondary School will be alive with art on Wednesday, February 9th.

The second annual Wild About the Arts Gala kicks off at 7 p.m. in the high school, where students from all of Cranbrook's schools will have art on show.

"It is going to be a visual and auditory feast," said teacher Karen Kettenacker.

The unique event will feature multiple dramatic and musical performances by the students, running at the same time throughout the school.

Paintings, drawings, sculpture, wood and metal artworks will be on display.

Students from the Wild About Hair program will run demonstrations. Hors d'ouevres made by the food department will be circulated amongst the gala-goers.

The middle and elementary schools have provided student artwork for the show as well.

More than 300 people attended the inaugural gala in February 2010.

"Last year it was held on the night of a Kootenay Ice (home) game. This year, it's not an Ice night, so we're hoping even more people will attend," said Kettenacker.

Most of the school body is involved in the massive gala, she continued.

"If they are not displaying their art, there is a large percentage that are helping. It really is a whole-school effort."

At 7pm, the gala will be opened in the gymnasium by the family of Rod Osiowy, an influential drama arts teacher at Mount Baker Secondary School who passed away last August.

The gala is in aid of a planned Youth Arts Centre for Cranbrook, in memory of Osiowy.

"The purpose of the art gala is to showcase student work. This is an opportunity for the community to join us in celebrating the contribution of our youth. Proceeds will go to our chosen charity, the youth arts centre," said principal Debra Empson.

To help raise funds, a silent auction will be held during the gala, with food, sport items, gift certificates, clothing and coupons from local businesses.