The 38th annual Young At Art (YAA) exhibition has opened at the Wailoa Center in Hilo, showcasing 125 juried artworks created by K-12 students from 18 schools across Hawaii Island. This year's theme, "SHIFT," prompted young artists to explore concepts of change and transition through various mediums. The event marks a significant return to a centralized venue and a new collaboration between the East Hawaii Cultural Center (EHCC) and the Wailoa Center, following years of decentralized satellite displays during the pandemic.
This exhibition is a vital community fixture that celebrates National Youth Art Month and fosters the next generation of Hawaiian artists. By providing professional gallery space and formal recognition—including the purchase of student work for a permanent Children’s Collection—the program validates youth creativity and strengthens the local cultural infrastructure. The involvement of professional jurors and community donors underscores the regional commitment to arts education and institutional continuity in the post-pandemic era.