The winners of the 2025 Charleston Youth Art Month Juried Exhibition were recognized during an awards ceremony April 17 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
The winning artworks were selected by a panel of judges for their originality, creativity, overall design and composition. This year’s contest had 286 submitted pieces. Any student in Kanawha County, grades K-12, were eligible to participate — including public, private, alternative and home school students. The event was sponsored by the Charleston Office of Public Art.
“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.â€
In 2023, more than 75 pieces of artwork were juried and displayed. In 2024, submissions rose to about 175.
“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 of the 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.â€
The following awards were presented:
Mayor’s Choice
Carly Morris, John Adams Middle School, Grade 8
Title: “Frogâ€; watercolor
Mayor’s Honorable Mention
Ashtyn Jones, Sacred Heart Grade School
Title: Untitled; markers and cut paper
Best of Show
Carley Carter, Herbert Hoover High School, Grade 11
Oscar Allen, Cross Lanes Elementary School, Grade 2
Title: “Eagleâ€; oil pastel
3rd Place (3-5)
Ava Lowery, Point Harmony Elementary School, Grade 3
Title: “Beetleâ€; marker
3rd Place (6-8)
Isabella Holsteine, Andrew Jackson Middle School, Grade 8
Title: “Charlestonâ€; ink pen, colored pencil
3rd Place (9-12)
Jeremiah Moore, Herbert Hoover High School, Grade 12
Title: Untitled; sculpture
Youth Art Month is a celebration of the visual arts, typically in March, promoted by the Council for Arts Education. The goal is to increase community understanding and interest in art and art education through involvement in art exhibits, workshops, and other creative ventures.
