The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) announced the return of the INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition, a showcase of visual art by high school students from Essex County, running from May 15 to August 17, 2025, in the Herb + Milly Iris Gallery. Over 1,000 submissions were received, with a jury selecting about 80 pieces for display. The opening reception on May 15 will also feature the third annual Paul Bartick Emerging Artist Award, presented to Millburn High School senior Obenewaa Frimpomaa, a Scholastic National Gold Art Medalist whose work explores identity, history, and empowerment of underrepresented voices.
This exhibition matters because it provides young artists with a professional gallery experience—from juried selection to public exhibition—fostering arts education and community engagement in Essex County. By honoring the legacy of Milly Iris and supporting emerging talent through awards like the Paul Bartick Emerging Artist Award, SOPAC reinforces the importance of nurturing creative expression and validating the achievements of high school artists, helping to cultivate the next generation of visual artists.