The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art (OMFA) and the Owensboro Art Guild are teaming up to showcase the work of young artists with the 1st Annual High School Juried Art Exhibition, featuring students from six local high schools.
The exhibit includes 58 selected works — ranging from paintings and drawings to sculptures and mixed media — chosen from more than 100 submissions by students from Daviess County High School, Apollo High School, Heritage Park High School, Owensboro High School, Owensboro Catholic High School, and Trinity High School.
The exhibition opens with a public preview and awards ceremony on Sunday, April 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at OMFA.
Jamie Dewitt, former owner of Studio 105 and the exhibition’s juror, selected the pieces and will award $2,000 in merit prizes.
“It’s an honor to return to Owensboro and be part of an event that celebrates the creativity of these incredible young artists,” Dewitt said. “I’m inspired by the talent and passion I’ve seen in this community and proud to support the next generation of artists.”
Jim Barr, president of the Owensboro Art Guild, said the exhibition is about more than showcasing art — it’s about investing in the community.
“The High School Juried Exhibition not only highlights the remarkable talent of Owensboro’s youth but also recognizes the dedication and guidance of their teachers,” Barr said. “The show reinforces the vital role of artistic expression in the community, inspiring students and visitors alike. The exhibition mirrors the format of professional juried shows and is structured to provide students with valuable real-world experience.”
Jason Hayden, executive director of OMFA, said this is just the beginning of a broader effort to uplift the arts across the region.
“The art museum is very pleased to partner with the art guild to help foster and grow the visual arts in the community, state and region,” Hayden said. “This exhibition focused on high schools in Daviess County, however, future exhibitions will include high schools in the surrounding counties and beyond.”
The exhibition will run through May 9, alongside the 63rd Annual Owensboro Art Guild Juried Exhibition. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
Admission is free, but donations of $3 for adults and $2 for children are encouraged. For more information, visit www.omfa.us or call 270-685-3181.
The Owensboro Art Guild, Kentucky’s oldest continuously operating visual arts organization run by artists, offers multiple exhibition opportunities each year, including both juried and open shows.
