WINNERS OF THE 2025 CHARLESTON YOUTH ART MONTH JURIED EXHIBITION SELECTED FROM NEARLY 300 SUBMITTED ARTWORKS

[view winning artwork here]

(Charleston, W. Va.) - The City of Charleston Office of Public Art recognized the winners of the 2025 Charleston Youth Art Month Juried Exhibition during an awards ceremony held at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. Selected from among 286 submitted pieces, the winning artworks stood out for their originality, creativity, overall design, and composition. Prior to the ceremony, the full collection was showcased at a reception celebrating the talent and vision of all participating youth artists.

"It is always inspiring to see the creativity and passion our youth artists bring to their work," said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. "This year's Charleston Youth Art Month Juried Exhibition highlights not only their individual talent, but also the power of art to reflect the unique perspectives and experiences of our youth."

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.

"It's been incredible to watch the Charleston Youth Art Month Juried Exhibition grow year after year-from just over 75 pieces in 2023 to nearly 300 today," said Jeff Pierson, Director, Office of Public Art. "That growth reflects not only the talent of our young artists, but also the deep commitment of our art educators and schools to fostering creativity and expression in the classroom. We're thrilled to help showcase that work through our local juried exhibition. It is important that we share our you people's art"

Awards were presented to:

Mayor's Choice
Carly Morris, John Adams Middle School, Grade 8
Title: Frog | Medium: Watercolor

Mayor's Honorable Mention
Ashtyn Jones, Sacred Heart Grade School
Title: untitled | Medium: Markers and Cut Paper

Best of Show
Carley Carter, Herbert Hoover High School, Grade 11
Title: Untitled| Medium: Acrylic Paint

1st Place (k-2)
Grayson Billanti, Ruffner Elementary School, 2nd
Title: Happy Man Sad Man| Medium: Markers and Paint

1st Place (3-5)
Lyndsey Westfall, Sissonville Middle School, Grade 5
Title: Untitled | Medium: Chalk Pastel

1st Place (6-8)
Erin Chen, Sissonville Middle School, Grade 7
Title: Untitled | Medium: Acrylic Paint

1st Place (9-12)
Jaiden White, Riverside High School, Grade 11
Title: E | Medium: Acrylic Paint

2nd Place (k-2)
Gigi Mork, Sacred Heart Elementary School, Grade 2
Title: Homage to Matthew Wong: River at Dusk| Medium: Acrylic Paint

2nd Place (3-5)
Scarlett Fisher, Sissonville Middle School, Grade 5
Title: The Village| Medium: Watercolor

2nd Place (6-8)
Adria Sirbu, John Adams Middle School, Grade 8
Title: Octopus| Medium: Oil Pastel

2nd Place (9-12)
Khalia Reid, Herbert Hoover High School, Grade 11
Title: Yawn| Medium: Oils/Acrylic

3rd Place (k-2)
Oscar Allen, Cross Lanes Elementary School, Grade 2
Title: Eagle| Medium: Oil Pastel

3rd Place (3-5)
Ava Lowery, Point Harmony Elementary School, Grade 3
Title: Beetle | Medium: Marker

3rd Place (6-8)
Isabella Holsteine, Andrew Jackson Middle School, Grade 8
Title: Charleston| Medium: Ink Pen, Colored Pencil

3rd Place (9-12)
Jeremiah Moore, Herbert Hoover High School, Grade 12
Title: Untitled| Medium: Sculpture

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)