Young Originals:
Youth Art Exhibition
November 1-7, 2026
Open to young artists ages 4-18 Pre-K thru 12th grade
Public School • Private School • Homeschool
Celebrating The Next Generation of Artists
Created and presented by Venue On Main in conjunction with Willard Stone Day
CALLING ALL YOUNG ARTISTS
Young Originals is an annual youth art exhibition created to give young artists a place to have their work displayed, recognized, and celebrated in a true gallery setting.
Whether you paint, draw, photograph, sculpt, work with clay, or create in another visual medium, we want to see what you create.
THERE IS NO COST TO PARTICIPATE.
YOUNG ORGINALS
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ART EXHIBITION
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YOUNG ORGINALS · ART EXHIBITION ·
WHO CAN ENTER?
Young Originals is open to students ages 4-18 / Pre-K thru 12th grage
Students may attend public school, private school, or be homeschooled
All skill levels are welcome. You do not have to consider yourself an experienced artist to enter.
WHAT CAN BE SUBMITTED?
What Kind of Art Can Be Entered?
Almost any form of original visual art is welcome, including: Painting • Drawing • Sketching • Watercolor • Crayon • Colored Pencil • Charcoal • Pastel • Photography • Pottery • Ceramics • Sculpture • Mixed Media • Collage
THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE: IT MUST BE THE STUDENT’S WORK.
Artwork must be created by the student. Photography must be photographed by the student.
NO AI-GENERATED ARTWORK. NO 3D-PRINTED ARTWORK. NO PARENT-CREATED ARTWORK.
Parents and teachers may provide normal instruction and guidance, but the finished piece must belong to the young artist.
Registration is now closed for this year’s Young Originals Youth Art Exhibition
2026 marks the inaugural Young Originals Youth Art Exhibition, created to give young artists a place to have their work seen, celebrated, and shared with the community.
Young Originals is held each year in conjunction with Willard Stone Day, which takes place on the first Saturday in November.
Watch for the 2nd Annual Young Originals Youth Art Exhibition in 2027, with exhibition week beginning the Monday before Willard Stone Day and continuing through that Saturday.
We look forward to welcoming another group of young artists next year!
IMPORTANT DATES
THURSDAY
October 22
Artwork submission deadline.
Students participating through a school should turn artwork in to their designated teacher or school representative.
FRIDAY
October 23
Venue On Main will pick up participating school submissions by the end of the school day.
NOVEMBER
1st - 7th
Young Originals will be displayed gallery-style at Venue On Main
MONDAY
November 2 | 5–8 p.m.
Young Artist & Family Reception
Come and go • Refreshments served • Be prepared for pictures!
Tuesday–Friday
November 3-6| 6:30–9 p.m.
Public Gallery Hours
Yes, There Will Be Prizes!
Artwork will be grouped by appropriate age/grade divisions and reviewed by selected judges.
Ribbons and prizes will be awarded.
Prize details and award categories will be announced as they are finalized.
Would You Like to Offer Your Artwork for Sale?
This is completely optional.
Students and their parent or guardian may choose whether an artwork is offered for sale during Young Originals.
Choosing not to sell has no effect on participation, judging, awards, or recognition.
If a participating student chooses to offer their artwork for sale and it is purchased:
100% of the artwork sale proceeds will be donated to Willard Stone Museum, Inc.