The nonprofit organization Awamaki was founded in 2009 to support Quechua communities in Peru's Sacred Valley, particularly women weavers, as they navigate economic shifts and climate change. It now assists nine cooperatives comprising 174 artisans, providing structural support for selling traditional textiles and coordinating tourism to generate income while preserving cultural practices.
Colossal has reached a significant milestone by funding 100 K-12 classroom projects across the United States through its partnership with the nonprofit DonorsChoose. Supported by a portion of Colossal Membership fees, the initiative has contributed over $13,000 to provide essential art supplies, sketchbooks, and equipment to students. The program places a special emphasis on supporting schools in Chicago, ensuring that young learners have the tools necessary for creative expression and artistic education.
Art Center Sarasota is hosting the 71st Annual North Sarasota County Schools Spring Art Show from April 28 to May 9, 2026, featuring over 1,500 student artists from kindergarten through 12th grade. The exhibition includes paintings, sculptures, mixed media, photography, and experimental works, with a High School Awards Ceremony awarding more than $20,000 in scholarships and prizes. The show is organized by coordinators Angela Hartvigsen and Debra Markley, and coincides with Art Center Sarasota's 100th anniversary.
The McLean Art Gallery is hosting an opening reception on May 1 for its May show and a special exhibit titled 'Wild Life,' presented by the local nonprofit McLean Art Society. The exhibit runs from May 1–31 and features over 200 new works in various media including oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, mixed media, drawing, photography, sculpture, wood, glass, ceramics, and jewelry, exploring diverse interpretations of the theme beyond just animals.
Maker House, a nonprofit ceramic arts studio, is hosting a spring student gallery exhibition titled "In the Making" from April 17 to May 17. The show features work from students of all levels, highlighting techniques like hand-building, wheel throwing, and sculpture, with select pieces available for purchase. A special reception on April 26 will allow the public to meet staff and students.
The Fort Myers Beach Art Association has launched its latest member exhibition, titled "Anything Goes," at its new gallery space in Fort Myers. Running through June 1, the show features a diverse array of media including jewelry, photography, drawing, and painting, highlighted by works such as Barbara Olmstead’s "Love of Music."
Northwind Art has launched a call for entries for its upcoming juried exhibition, "Northwest Expressions," scheduled to run from June 25 through August 10 at the Jeanette Best Gallery in Port Townsend. Open to artists aged 16 and older residing in Washington and Oregon, the showcase accepts a wide range of media including painting, jewelry, sculpture, and photography. The submission deadline is May 29, with artist and educator Anne Pfeiffer serving as the 2026 juror.