CELEBRATING CREATIVITY THROUGH YOUTH ARTS!
Thank you to our incredible student artists for sharing your vision, creativity and passion with us in 2023, 2024, and 2025! We’re looking forward to the Youth Arts 2026 City of Charleston Juried Exhibition and another amazing showcase of young talent!
ELIGIBILITY
Any student in Kanawha County, grades K-12, can participate in the City of Charleston’s Youth Art Month Juried Exhibition. This includes public, private, alternative and home school students.
IMPORTANT DATES & DEADLINES
| DATE | TIME | INFO |
| March 5, 2026 | 1-5 p.m. | Artwork Drop Off (2 of 4) 1021 B Quarrier Street |
| March 12, 2026 | 1-5 p.m. | Artwork Drop Off (3 of 4) 1021 B Quarrier Street |
| March 19, 2026 | 1-5 p.m. | Artwork Drop Off (4 of 4) 1021 B Quarrier Street *artwork will not be accepted after this date. |
| March 30 – April 2, 2026 | Artwork on Display Clendenin Lobby Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center | |
| April 2, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. | Reception Clendenin Lobby Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center |
| April 2, 2026 | 6:30 p.m | Awards Ceremony Theater Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center |
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
- Artists may submit one or more pieces of original artwork.
- Artists may use any medium or creation technique, provided that it is 2D and does not exceed 18" x 24"
- 3D work will not be accepted
- Artwork must be labeled on the back with the artist's full name, school, and grade
- An artwork label template has been provided HERE.
- Artwork must be submitted by March 19 at 5 p.m., either by:
- Drop off to the Office of Public Art (1021 B Quarrier Street) from 1-5 p.m. on one of the following dates:
- March 5
- March 12
- March 19
- Special arrangement, coordinated through Public Art Director Jeff Pierson, prior to the March 19 deadline.
- Drop off to the Office of Public Art (1021 B Quarrier Street) from 1-5 p.m. on one of the following dates:
- Artwork must be accompanied by a Juried Exhibition Form (see next section)
REQUIRED FORMS
Please complete one Juried Exhibition Form per artist.
- Form is due by March 19 at 5 p.m.
- All submitted artwork should be reflected on the form.
The following individuals may submit the form:
- the student artist (age 18+)
- parent/guardian of artist
- teacher, provided that the teacher has provided the Notice of Artwork/Photography Release to the parent/guardian.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Artwork will be evaluated by a panel of professionals and evaluated based on originality, creativity, overall design, and composition.
Awards will be presented for the following categories:
- Mayor's Choice
- Best of Show
- Grades K-5: 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, Honorable Mention
- Grades 6-8: 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, Honorable Mention
- Grades 9-12: 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, Honorable Mention
- [NEW] Drawing Achievement Award (k-5/6-8/9-12)
- [NEW] Painting Achievement Award (k-5/6-8/9-12)
ATTN: TEACHERS
If you are a teacher completing the Juried Exhibition Form on behalf of a student artist, you must provide the Notice of Artwork/Photography Release to the parent/guardian before submission of the Juried Exhibition Form. The form and notice are both located in the Youth Arts resource list.
Should you need support from the Office of Public Art, please contact Director Jeff Pierson.