CITY’S OFFICE OF PUBLIC ART IS ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR 2025 CHARLESTON YOUTH ART MONTH JURIED EXHIBITION

(Charleston, W. Va.) – The City of Charleston Office of Public Art is accepting submissions from Kanawha County students, grades K-12, for the 2025 Charleston Youth Art Month (YAM) Juried Exhibition. Artwork will be on display from April 14-17 – with a reception and awards ceremony taking place on April 17 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. Artists whose entries are accepted will be notified before the exhibit opening.  

“Our young artists are incredibly talented – bringing fresh energy and creativity to our Capital City,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “I look forward to seeing this year’s artwork submissions and celebrating the way these young artists elevate local art through their vision, inspiration, and vibrant artistic expression.”  

“There is something so powerful about art created by our youth—setting off a spark that inspires and invigorates,” said Jeff Pierson, Director, Office of Public Art. “The young people in our community are so talented and it is a great privilege to share their work through this exhibition.”

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Artists may submit one piece of original artwork.  
• Any medium or creation technique may be used.  
• 2D works should not exceed 18”x 24”.  
• Sculptural works should not exceed 10” in depth.  
• Artwork must be labeled with first name, grade, and school.  
• Artwork must be submitted by April 7 at 4:30 p.m. – either by  
  • Drop off to the City Service Center (915 Quarrier St), Office of Development Services, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Coordinated drop off through Public Art Director Jeff Pierson.  

REQUIRED FORMS

• Artists (18+) OR parent/guardian OR teacher must submit a Juried Exhibition Form.  
• If a teacher submits the Juried Exhibition Form, the teacher will notify the parent/guardian to complete the Artwork/Photography Release.  

DEADLINES/DATES

• April 7 at 4:30 p.m. – Juried Exhibition Forms due  
• April 7 at 4:30 p.m. – Artwork Submissions due
• April 13 at noon – Artwork/Photography Release due  
• April 14-17 – Artwork on Display | Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, Clendenin Lobby
• April 17 at 5:30 p.m. | Reception | Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, Clendenin Lobby
• April 17, 6:30 | Awards Ceremony | Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, Theater  

AWARDS

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:  

• Best of Show
• Mayor’s Choice  
• Grades K-5: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Honorable Mention
• Grades 6-8: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Honorable Mention
• Grades 9-12: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Honorable Mention

Questions regarding submissions, the Charleston Youth Art Month Juried Exhibition, or special arrangements for submission of artwork can be directed to Public Art Director Jeff Pierson at Jeff.Pierson@cityofcharleston.org or 304.541.9284.

More than 75 pieces of artwork were juried in 2023 and nearly 175 pieces of artwork were juried in 2024.