Gloucester County College will ring in the holiday season with color and song on Friday, December 4, during a student art show and tree-lighting ceremony beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the College Center’s Dr. Ross Beitzel Art Gallery.

The free two-hour reception will feature the talent of dozens of GCC student artists showcasing a variety of artwork including paintings, drawings, photography, pottery and digital art.

To help get into the holiday spirit, youngsters from GCC’s Early Childhood Education Center will enjoy a visit from their favorite jolly elf, Santa. Christmas carols and as well as Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali holiday music will be performed along with traditional American “roots” songs on guitar, banjo, fiddle, and hammered dulcimer. Entertainment will be provided by New York musician Mark Rust, who has written almost 200 original songs and has been seen on Broadway and television.

Members of the GCC Student Government Association will sponsor a giving tree to support local families in need this Christmas. New toys and cash donations will be accepted.

For more information on GCC holiday festivities, call (856) 415-2236.

The Dr. Ross Beitzel Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The student art show runs through January 19.