The Emporia Arts Council is calling for entries for the annual 'Shaping the Future: A Young Artists’ Exhibition' in 2026, open to children ages 4 to 18 from Emporia and surrounding communities. Artwork must be submitted by June 27, with the exhibition running from July 10 to August 1 at the Trusler Gallery; cash prizes will be awarded in four age groups during the opening reception on July 10.
This exhibition matters because it provides young artists with a professional gallery experience and celebrates their creativity in a supportive, accessible setting. By offering free entry and encouraging submissions from home, school, or community programs, the event lowers barriers to participation and fosters early engagement with the visual arts, reinforcing the role of local arts organizations in nurturing the next generation of artists.