YOUTH ARTS 2026 CITY OF CHARLESTON JURIED EXHIBITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED
(Charleston, W. Va.) – The City of Charleston Office of Public Art recognized the winners of the Youth Arts 2026 City of Charleston during an awards ceremony held at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. This year’s exhibition featured 162 works of art submitted by students from across Kanawha County, each evaluated by a panel of professional based on originality, creativity, overall design, and composition. Prior to the awards ceremony, the full collection was showcased during a public reception celebrating the work of all participating youth artists.
“The arts play a vital and powerful role in strengthening our communities,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “This exhibition continues to highlight the creativity of young artists in our city and the ways they are beginning to find their voice and shape our creative future.”
“This exhibition is about creating space for young artists to be seen and celebrated,” said Jeff Pierson, Director of the Office of Public Art. “Each year, we see a wide range of perspectives and approaches, and that reflects the strength of arts education and the dedication of teachers who are helping students develop their creativity and confidence.”
Awards were presented to the following students:
Best of Show
Tristan Clemente – 11th Grade – South Charleston High School
Mayor’s Award of Excellence
Aubrey Walters – 10th Grade – George Washington High School
Mayor’s Award
k-5
Oliver Jarrell – Kindergarten – Mountaineer Montessori School
6-8
Carlee Hetu – 8th Grade – John Adams Middle School
9-12
Khloe Crowder – 12th Grade – Capital High School
9th grade-12th grade
1st Place
Hannah Tucker – 12th Grade – Nitro High School
2nd Place
Tristan Clemente – 11th Grade – South Charleston High School
3rd Place
Jasmin Nichols – 9th Grade – Nitro High School
Honorable Mention
Quincy Steele – 10th Grade – Capital High School
Drawing Achievement
Beatrice Young – 9th Grade – Capital High School
Painting Achievement
Ella Iams – 9th Grade – Nitro High School
6th grade-8th grade
1st Place
Olivia Eldridge – 8th Grade West Side Middle School
2nd Place
Abigail Pickens – 7th Grade – Andrew Jackson Middle School
3rd Place
Rhyley Stevens – 8th Grade – Andrew Jackson Middle School
Honorable Mention
Sydney Gearhart – 8th Grade – Sissonville Middle School
Drawing Achievement
Shawn Avery Settle – 8th Grade – Elkview Middle School
Painting Achievement
Sarah Nicholson – 8th Grade – Hayes Middle School
kindergarten-5th grade
1st Place
Annabelle Smith – 5th Grade – Cross Lanes Elementary School
2nd Place
Camille Copning-Taylor – 4th Grade – Edgewood Elementary School
3rd Place
Malachi White – 3rd Grade – Cross Lanes Elementary School
Honorable Mention
Raina Davis – 4th Grade – Cross Lanes Elementary School
Drawing Achievement
Sydney Flowers – 3rd Grade – Homeschool
Painting Achievement
Elly Grace Wood – 5th Grade – Sacred Heart Grade School
In 2023, 75+ pieces of artwork were juried and displayed at the City Service Center. In 2024, nearly 175 pieces of artwork were juried and displayed at the City Service Center. In 2025, 286 pieces of artwork were juried and displayed at the Coliseum and Convention Center.
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