A whimsical image of a panda resting its head and paws on a log was sent out on postcards and emblazoned on posters to promote the 38th Annual John Iyoya Children’s Art Exhibit.

The exhibit each year at Vassar College’s James W. Palmer III Gallery showcases art from students around the region, including those from Warring Elementary School.

The panda was created by one of those students in Kathy Orza’s art classes, third grader Andrea Gutierrez Castro. It’s among roughly 100 pieces of art from Warring that will be on display at Vassar from March 9-14.

As a still in a postcard, the image is cute enough. In person, visitors will see the texture and style that went into its creation, like the rest of the varied pieces submitted by Orza.

“It’s mixed-media; it’s pastels, crayon, it’s water color, wax resist and then tissue paper,” the teacher said. Several other students’ pandas will also be on display. “We did it in steps. They really had a good time making them. They love anything with animals.

Orza was actually the one who gave Andrea the news her piece was selected for the exhibit’s promotion. “She was very surprised and excited,” Orza said. “She’s very quiet and modest. Her smile said it all.”

Orza has submitted student artwork to the show for five years. Seeing their artwork up for public consumption inspires confidence and happiness, she said.

The pieces this year run the gamut of styles, from paintings of pigs with paper plate donuts, to clay fish and penguins, to birds with feathers nested in yard, to plaster masks of golden cats and superheroes.

The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Vassar will host an opening reception free to all Sunday from 2-3:30 p.m. in which the students can not only see their work but also enjoy juice and cookies.

“They usually stand by their artwork and take pictures,” she said. “It’s really a big honor for them. … Just seeing their reaction, it just makes everything worthwhile.”