Looking for art, culture? See the latest Central Illinois exhibits

Central Illinois is hosting a diverse array of art exhibitions and cultural displays across several regional institutions. Key highlights include the 18th Annual Peoria Area Juried High School Art Exhibition at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria and a showcase of works by Richard Kirchgessner. Local galleries and museums, such as the Eaton Studio Gallery and the McLean County Arts Center, are actively engaging the community through student tours and rotating exhibits of area artists.

Hyde Collection celebrates young artists at annual H.S. Juried Show

The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, New York, has opened its annual High School Juried Show, a long-standing tradition that showcases the creative talents of regional students. This year's exhibition features a diverse range of media, selected by professional jurors from a competitive pool of submissions from local school districts.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art to Host “P.S. Art” Exhibition

The Metropolitan Museum of Art will host "P.S. Art 2025: Celebrating the Creative Spirit of NYC Kids" from June 10 through October 19, 2025, a juried exhibition featuring 138 artworks by prekindergarten through grade 12 students from New York City public schools. The works were selected from over 950 submissions by a panel including the late artist Tony Bechara and Met staff, spanning painting, mixed-media, and sculpture. A ceremony at The Met Fifth Avenue on June 10 will coincide with the Museum Mile Festival, and the Times Square Advertising Coalition will display 43 of the works on OUTFRONT's screen, The Cube, starting June 17.

Color them talented: Teen artists offered big scholarship money

Two Illinois high school seniors, Dashiell Speir and Hazel Anderson, received substantial art-school scholarship offers after participating in the Illinois High School Art Exhibition's northern regional show. Speir, a student at Downers Grove North High School, was offered $524,000 in scholarships, while Anderson, from Central High School in Burlington, received $372,000 in offers. Speir plans to attend the College of DuPage before transferring to a four-year school, and Anderson intends to enroll at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

SOPAC's Herb + Milly Iris Gallery presents "INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition"

The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) presents "INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition" in its Herb + Milly Iris Gallery from May 14 through August 16, 2026. Over 300 students from 20 area high schools submitted more than 1,000 original works; 70 pieces were selected for the show, spanning photography, digital art, painting, drawing, sculpture, fiber arts, and ceramics. An opening reception will be held on May 14.

Artists invited to submit work for Moraine Valley’s annual community show

Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, Illinois, is inviting artists aged 18 and older living within 50 miles to submit up to two pieces for its 23rd annual community art show. Submissions are accepted May 19-21, with notifications on May 26. The exhibition runs May 29 to July 30, opening with a reception and awards ceremony on May 30. This year’s juror is Lisa DeLuca, a photographer and teaching artist with experience as a recruiter for art schools and a docent at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago. She has previously juried the college’s high school exhibition and other regional shows.

St. Gregory’s College unveils inaugural art exhibition in Lagos

St. Gregory's College in Lagos, Nigeria, launched its inaugural Gregorian Art Exhibition on April 25, 2026, at Jubilee Hall. Organized by the St. Gregory's College Old Boys Association in honor of legendary artist Bruce Onobrakpeya, the three-day event features established and emerging artists under the theme “Celebrating Legacy, Excellence and Continuity.” Speakers included former association chairman Dr. Michael Omolayole and current president Francis Kudayah, who announced plans for an annual art clinic and a digital platform called the “Gregorian Art Mart.” Onobrakpeya, who could not attend in person, delivered a vote of thanks reflecting on his career and the school's role in his development.

The 27th Juried High School Exhibition: Friends of the Yellow Barn Studio Annual High School Art Show at Gallery B this March

The Friends of the Yellow Barn Studio is set to host its 27th Juried High School Exhibition this March at Gallery B in Bethesda. This annual event showcases a curated selection of visual artworks created by local high school students, providing a professional platform for emerging young talent to display their skills to the public.

Celebrity artists support Oxford primary school art exhibition

An Oxford primary school is hosting an art exhibition on 16-17 and 23-25 May as part of Oxford Art Weeks, featuring works by celebrity artists to raise funds for improving the school's deteriorating adventure playground and restoring a community green space. The exhibition, themed 'inspired by birds,' is accompanied by talks from historian Mark Davies on how Jericho and Oxford inspired figures like Lewis Carroll and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

Student artists shine in RAM exhibition

Low Road and Windmill Music Federation hosts first-ever art exhibition

On July 9, 2025, the Low Road and Windmill Music Federation held its first-ever art exhibition on school grounds, showcasing artwork from every pupil in Reception through Year 6. The event, led by art lead Morag Watson, featured splatter paintings, photography, and other works, with local photographer Elaine Goddard announcing winners of a photography competition and local artist Paul Fretwell contributing a painting. The exhibition was open to students, parents, governors, and the community, and was hailed as a resounding success.

'Everyone soaked up the art' - North Yorkshire pop up gallery success

Keeble Gateway Academy in Sowerby, North Yorkshire, celebrated World Art Day on May 1 by hosting a one-day pop-up art exhibition featuring work created by pupils aged 3-10. The exhibition, now in its third year, focused on the artist William Morris, with children producing prints inspired by his techniques and natural themes. Head teacher Jenny Rogers, marking her first anniversary at the school, and curriculum lead Lucy Anderson highlighted the event's growing popularity and community engagement.

El Dorado High School and Artists in Education Present “Let’s Collaborate” Exhibition at South Arkansas Arts Center

El Dorado High School and the Artists in Education program have launched a collaborative exhibition titled "Let's Collaborate" at the South Arkansas Arts Center. The show features artworks created jointly by high school students and professional teaching artists, showcasing the results of a partnership program.

Carson High artists dazzle at Nevada Artists Association Student Art Show

Several Carson High School art students earned top honors at the Nevada Artists Association Student Art Show. Senior Serenity Rodriguez placed first in the 3D category for her piece “Buried in Flowers,” while freshman Abbey Ortega earned third place for “Comic Book Art” and an honorable mention for “Cat Caught Fish.” Other students received honorable mentions across 2D and 3D categories. The Spring 2026 High School Art Exhibition features 69 entries from Carson, Dayton, Douglas, and Whittell high schools, on view at the Nevada Artists Association Gallery in Carson City through May 8.

Nevada Artists Association presents the Spring 2026 Student Art Show

The Nevada Artists Association is hosting its inaugural Spring 2026 High School Student Art Exhibition, featuring 69 entries from students across four regional high schools. The showcase includes a diverse range of media, such as ceramics, mixed media, drawing, and painting, and is hosted at the association's gallery in Carson City.

IU Kokomo Art Gallery features high school exhibition

The Indiana University Kokomo Art Gallery is hosting its 28th Annual High School Art Exhibition, featuring creative works by 65 juniors and seniors from regional high schools. The exhibition showcases a diverse range of media, including ceramics, photography, and painting, with top honors recently awarded to students Brenda Macias-Pacheco, Eli Gahl, and Avanley Robertson.

SOPAC's Herb + Milly Iris Gallery Presents INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition Opening Reception Thursday, May 14

The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will open the INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition in its Herb + Milly Iris Gallery on May 14, 2026, with a free public reception at 5:00 PM. Over 300 students from 20 area high schools submitted more than 1,000 original works across media including photography, digital art, painting, drawing, sculpture, fiber arts, and ceramics; 70 pieces were selected for the exhibition. The show is sponsored by the Iris Family Foundation and features professional installation, a formal reception, and opportunities for students to sell their work.

Chester County art exhibition at Chester County art association

The Chester County Art Association in West Chester hosted the Chester County High School Art Exhibition and PA 6th District Congressional Art Competition reception on April 15. The event featured nearly 500 student works including sculptures, oil paintings, colored pencil pieces, and photography, with awards presented for both competitions. Josiah Fung of Wilmington Friends School won first place in the congressional competition for his piece "Friends for Life," which will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The exhibition was coordinated by the Chester County Intermediate Unit and partially funded by CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Services.

Lakeland and Walter Panas High School Seniors To Exhibit Art At The Katonah Museum Of Art

The Katonah Museum of Art (KMA) will present Young Artists 2026, its annual exhibition of high school senior artwork, from May 3-24, 2026. Now in its 43rd year, the show features over 350 works from 40 high schools across New York and Connecticut. Participating students collaborate with museum professionals to plan and produce the exhibition, taking on roles as artists, curators, graphic designers, and installers. This year’s winning marketing image was created by Hailey Nazario of Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak.

Young artists shine at the Pocatello Art Center’s annual High School Art Exhibit

The Pocatello Art Center has launched its Annual High School Art Exhibition, showcasing works from students across eight local high schools. Supported by a grant from the Spaulding Foundation, the showcase features a diverse range of media including painting, digital art, and sculpture, with a public awards ceremony scheduled for March 19.

High School Art Exhibition Begins at City Hall

The High School Art Exhibition has opened at Irvine City Hall, showcasing works by student artists from the greater Irvine area. The annual survey includes pieces in digital media, drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, and sculpture, with awards for categories such as best original design and innovative use of materials. This year’s guest juror is Patrick Ballesteros, a San Diego-based artist and illustrator whose clients include Netflix and DisneyTV.

‘Augustana High School Invitational’ to Open at University’s Eide/Dalrymple Gallery

The Eide/Dalrymple Gallery at Augustana University will host its annual 'Augustana High School Invitational' from January 15 to February 6, 2025, featuring over 110 artworks by students from 22 regional high schools. The exhibition includes a range of mediums such as ceramics, drawing, digital art, photography, mixed media, painting, printmaking, and sculpture, with a closing reception and awards ceremony on February 6. The show is juried by Augustana Art Department faculty, and junior and senior artists can participate in portfolio reviews for Pro Artis Scholarships worth up to $8,000.

Milton Keynes school’s art exhibition

Stantonbury School in Milton Keynes is hosting an art exhibition at Stantonbury Theatre Gallery to showcase the work of its Year 11 students in Art, Photography, and 3D Design. The event, scheduled for Monday, will feature an awards ceremony and has invited Mayor of Milton Keynes James Lancaster, along with judges, local artists, students, and families, to recognize the students' achievements.

SRU recognizes high school artists with exhibit and awards

More than 100 students from local high schools, including Christina Massouh of Shenango High School, exhibited their artwork at SRU's High School Art Awards on November 20, 2025, held in the Martha Gault Art Gallery. The event allowed students to share their work with families and teachers, celebrating young artistic talent in the region.

Four Seniors Bring Four Years of Work to the Gallery

Four senior students at Latin School showcased six artworks each at the Senior Art Show on April 24, held in the second-floor gallery. The exhibition featured intricately crocheted animals, architectural structures, and photographs, representing the culmination of their high school visual arts careers. Students like Justin Canelo incorporated personal heritage and architectural interests, while Peyton Remmer explored self-portraiture and photography, supported by teachers Christine Holloway and Ian Merritt.

Mount Wachusett Community College hosts 40th art exhibition

Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) held its 40th Annual Regional Exhibition of High School Art in the East Wing Gallery, featuring works from students at eight area high schools. The exhibition displayed ceramics, paintings, drawings, and mixed media, with 10 students receiving cash awards for outstanding artistic achievement. The college also highlighted its expanding art program, driven by free community college initiatives, and its community outreach through the Summer Art Program for Youth and free public exhibitions.

West Chester Art Exhibition Showcases Student Talent and National Competition Entries

The Chester County Art Association is currently hosting the Chester County High School Art Exhibition, featuring nearly 500 works by local students. The showcase includes a wide range of media, from oil paintings and sculptures to photography and colored pencil drawings. A significant portion of the exhibition also serves as the entry point for Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District in the nationwide Congressional Art Competition.

Chester County high school Art Exhibition now on display in West Chester

Nearly 500 works of art by high school students from Chester County, Pennsylvania, are on display at the Chester County High School Art Exhibition and PA 6th District Congressional Art Competition, held at the Chester County Art Association in West Chester through April 18, 2026. An awards ceremony took place on April 15, and selected entries are competing in Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan’s Congressional Art Competition, with the grand prize winner’s artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

3 Batavia High seniors selected for prestigious statewide art exhibition in Chicago

Three seniors from Batavia High School—Amelia “Mimi” Patterson, Jane Lishamer, and Benjamin Wash—have been selected to feature their work in the 13th Annual High School Art Exhibition in Chicago. Hosted at the Bridgeport Art Center from March 14 through April 18, the event showcases approximately 1,000 student artists from over 125 Illinois high schools. In addition to the main exhibition, six other Batavia students were chosen for the Northern Regional Exhibition.

High School Artists Shine at North Hennepin Community College

North Hennepin Community College is currently hosting the 18th annual Northwestern High School Art Exhibition in Brooklyn Park. The showcase features over 100 diverse works, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and photography, created by students from 13 regional high schools. Notable entries include a sculpture of a 'Clicker' from the television series "The Last of Us" by student artist Gwyneth Hurley.