2024 CHARLESTON YOUTH ART MONTH JURIED EXHIBITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED, EXHIBIT OPENS FOR VIEWING

(Charleston, W. Va.) – The winners of the 2024 Charleston Youth Art Month Juried Exhibition were announced during a ceremony at the City Service Center Conference Room this evening followed by a reception, and the official opening of the exhibition which features nearly 175 pieces of artwork from Kanawha County students, grades K-12. 

“It is exciting and inspiring to see the enthusiasm and talent demonstrated by our youth artists,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “This year’s Charleston Youth Art Month Juried Exhibition is a vibrant celebration of artistic expression – showcasing the diverse voices and talents of our youth.” 

“The most important thing you can do with your art is share it,” said Jeff Pierson, Director, Office of Public Art. “This exhibition gives us a chance to see the unique talent and imagination of our young people.”

Artwork was evaluated by a panel of professionals and evaluated based on originality, creativity, overall design, and composition. Awards were presented to:

Best of Show

Telina Williams, Charleston Catholic | Hidden Smiles | Crayon on Watercolor Paper

Mayor’s Choice

Ariel Long, Wolf Pack Homeschool | Cracked Not Broken | Acrylic on Canvas

1st Place (k-5)

Serenity Holley, Richmond Elementary | Poinsettia | Oil Pastel

1st Place (6-8)

Madalyn Lovejoy, John Adams Middle | Deer | Oil Pastel

1st Place (9-12)

Khalia Reid, Herbert Hoover High | Blue in the Face | Oil Pastel

2nd Place (k-5)

Jordan Loudermilk, Richmond Elementary | Owl | Oil Pastel

2nd Place (6-8)

Riley Adkins, Sissonville Middle | One Faced | Cardboard

2nd Place (9-12)

Scout Cox, Herbert Hoover High | Anxiety Blossoms| Acrylic Paint

3rd Place (k-5)

Hazel Hagler, Homeschool | Perfectly Flower | Mixed Media

3rd Place (6-8)

Karlie White, Sissonville Middle | Untitled| Graphite

3rd Place (9-12)

Emma White, Herbert Hoover High | My Home of Hidden Wonder | Digital

Honorable Mention (k-5):

Scarlett Eich, Point Harmony Elementary | Happiness | Tempera

Honorable Mention (6-8):

Matthew Schaefer, John Adams Middle | Value Drawing | Colored Pencil

Honorable Mention (9-12):

Kaeden Jerry-Watson, Nitro High | Landscape in Oil Pastel | Oil Pastel

Youth Art Month is a celebration of the visual arts, and exists to direct attention to recognize art education as a viable factor in the total education curriculum that develops citizens of a global society; to direct attention to the value of art education for divergent and critical thinking; to encourage commitment to the arts by students, community organizations, and individuals everywhere; and increase community understanding and interest in art and art education through involvement in art exhibits, workshops, and other creative ventures. (via CFAE)

More than 75 pieces of artwork were juried in 2023 and displayed at the City Service Center during Youth Art Month.