Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition

  Six Birds Dancing on a Wire by Essie House, kindergarten, Theodore Jones Elementary, 2015 show



      The Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition is one of the most joy-filled exhibits held in the state each year.  It will run from June 8  to July 22 at the Arkansas Arts Center.

     You will glow with pride as you feast your eyes on the talent of these young Arkansans who range from kindergarten age through high school.

     This 57th year of the exhibition will include 104 works of art in a variety of media selected by a panel of art experts from 492 pieces entered in the competition.  The 104 that made the cut represent the work of youngsters in 63 schools across the state. 

Abandoned Secrets by Jada Parker, eighth grader at Pottsville
Junior High School, Best in Class in the 2017 exhibition

 Hand in Hand by Kate Lusk, sixth grader at Pulaski Heights, Best of Class winner in 2011


    

“We strive to promote quality arts education initiatives and achievement in the visual arts,” Arkansas Arts Center Executive Director Todd Herman said. “Through the Young Arkansas Artists exhibition, we are offering a platform to celebrate artwork created by young Arkansans while empowering them to express themselves in a positive way.”

      Artist Michael Shaeffer will serve as grand juror for the exhibition and will choose one Best in Class and two Honorable Mention awards for each grade, as well as the Mid-Southern Watercolorists Award for Achievement in Watercolor and Ray Smenner Award for Achievement in Painting. Members of the Arkansas Art Educators Association will also select one Teacher’s Choice award from each grade level.   Each winning artist’s school receives a monetary award.

     There will be an opening Family Festival and Awards Ceremony May 12, including activities for children and the awards' presentation 11:30 a.m. 

     The 57th Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition is sponsored by HoganTaylor LLP, Ces and Drew Kelso, and Dale and Lee Ronnel. Awards for the exhibition are sponsored by Arkansas Children's Hospital and the Mid-Southern Watercolorists.