By Erica Solvig
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Residents in at least four suburban communities will be enjoying their students' artwork, plays, woodwork and musical performances this weekend.

The Mason, Monroe and Little Miami school districts as well as Sacred Heart School in Fairfield are all hosting fine arts festivals. The events in Mason and Monroe are scheduled over at least two days, and Little Miami's is Saturday.

Little Miami students were putting the finishing touches on their photography presentations, ceramics and other projects in classes this week. The high school's 35-member art club even worked overnight last weekend to complete wind chimes, ceramic picture frames, jewelry and pottery that they will sell Saturday.

At Monroe, in addition to student art projects, the weekend will feature displays from business technology and technology education students as well as musical and dramatic performances from the elementary, junior high and high school groups.

In Mason, events kicked off Thursday night with the high school's production of Les Miserables, which continues through Sunday.

For students such as Melissa McManus, a Little Miami senior, the shows are an opportunity to display their work and see other students' pieces and performances.

"It's so much fun to look at the little kids' work and then see how it improves by age," the 17-year-old said. "It's for everybody. You don't have to be great. You just can do what you feel."

Festival schedules

Little Miami Schools

Where: Little Miami High School, 3001 E. U.S. 22/ 3, Hamilton Township

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Highlights: Students will demonstrate making pottery, airbrushing, oil painting and designing jewelry. District bands and choirs will perform all day.

Mason City Schools

Where: Mason High School, 6100 Mason-Montgomery Road in Mason

When: Through Sunday

Highlights: Artwork is showcased in the commons 7-11 p.m. today, 7-11 p.m. Saturday and 2-6 p.m. Sunday. MHS performing arts presents the school edition of Les Miserables through Sunday. Information: 229-4070.

Monroe Local Schools

Where: Lemon-Monroe High School, 101 W. Elm St., Monroe

When: 5 to 9 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Highlights: Outstanding visual arts students will be announced Friday before the 8 p.m. drama production. Musical performances both days. Students will sell more than 200 bowls, with the proceeds going to food banks and soup kitchens.

Sacred Heart School

Where: 400 Nilles Road, Fairfield

When: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday

Highlights: Some student artwork will be sold, with proceeds benefiting art room construction

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com