Photo of a group of children smiling on a stage.

63rd Young Arkansas Artists

May 18, 2024 – July 7, 2024

For over 60 years, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts has highlighted the remarkable talent, creativity, and perspective of Arkansas students through the Young Arkansas Artists exhibition. This legacy program showcases artwork from kindergarten through high school in a wide range of media and technique.

The 63rd Young Arkansas Artists exhibition in 2024 continues this tradition of supporting and recognizing the power of art education and art educators across the state. In addition to the presentation of the full 65-work exhibition through an online gallery, selections from the exhibition are on view from May 18, 2024, to July 7, 2024, in the Robyn and John Horn Gallery.

Kindergarten

Molly L., "Fun with Lines and Comics," cut paper and marker, 12 x 9 in., C D Creative Studio, Art Educator: Cynthia Dealhunt.
Best in Class: Javale R.W., "Self-Portrait," tempera and paper, 12 x 9 in., Wakefield Elementary, Art Educator: Cheryl Compagna.
Honorable Mention: Ivan D., "Flowers," mixed media, 8.5 x 11 in., Maumelle Charter Elementary, Art Educator: Hether Embrey.
Josie R., "Miss Moo," paint sticks and watercolor, 17 x 12 in., Immaculate Conception School, Art Educator: Christi Calloway.
Honorable Mention: Jason M.M., "So Many Rainy Days," watercolor, crayon, pipe cleaner, marker, and construction paper, 12 x 9 in., Amboy Elementary, Art Educator: Teresa Penny.

First Grade

Best in Class: Ike J., "Snowy Birds," mixed media, 18 x 12 in., Julia Lee Moore Elementary, Art Educator: Austin Polk.
Molleigh P., "Dance It Out," oil pastel and watercolor, 18 x 12 in., Jonesboro Visual & Performing Arts Magnet School, Art Educator: Amanda Carrington.
Honorable Mention: Wren A., "Castle & Sun," crayon and watercolor, 16 x 20 in., Pulaski Heights Elementary, Art Educator: Suzanne McClinton.
Persephone S., "Crocodile Who Had Her Babies," mixed media, 18 x 24 in., Landmark Elementary, Art Educator: Kathyrn Emerson.
Honorable Mention: Mena B., "Self-Portrait," oil pastel, 12 x 16 in., Forest Heights STEM Academy, Art Educator: Shelby Baker.

Second Grade

Honorable Mention: Micah S., "Self-Portrait," mixed media, 11 x 8.5 in., Julia Lee Moore Elementary, Art Educator: Austin Polk.
Boston C., "Piano Concerto," mixed media, 18 x 12 in., Jonesboro Visual & Performing Arts Magnet School, Art Educator: Amanda Carrington.
Best in Class: Meredith M., "One Cold Day," tempera, painted paper, Sharpie© marker, and crayon, 12 x 18 in., Valley Springs Elementary, Art Educator: Deloris Smith.
Honorable Mention: Adelynn V., "Gnome of the Garden," ceramic, 3 x 2 in., Williams Traditional Magnet Elementary, Art Educator: Benita Robinson.
Josie M., "Crystal Clear Night," soft pastel and oil pastel, 9 x 12 in., Ellen Smith Elementary, Art Educator: Katherine Barlow.

Third Grade

Avery Q., "Yellow Naped Amazon Parrot Perched On A Mossy Branch," cut paper, 12 x 9 in., C D Creative Studio, Art Educator: Cynthia Dealhunt.
Eryn R., "Bird Singing Mate," tempera and oil pastel, 12 x 11 in., Wakefield Elementary, Art Educator: Cheryl Compagna.
Honorable Mention: Eleanor D., "El Gato," paint sticks, Sharpie©, and construction paper, 18 x 12 in., Lakewood Elementary, Art Educator: Jamie Freyaldenhoven.
Best in Class: Nickolas C., "Abstract Portrait," mixed media, 18 x 12 in., Theodore Jones Elementary, Art Educator: Jessica Harris.
Honorable Mention: Tara S., "Cleo the Hydra," ceramic, 6 x 5.5 in., William Traditional Magnet Elementary, Art Educator: Benita Robinson.

Fourth Grade

Leo A., "Blue Octopus," acrylic, 36 x 36 in., Private Instruction, Art Educator: Flora Anderson.
Honoralble Mention: Carter M., "An Encounter Among the Waves," Prismacolor© colored pencil, watercolor, and oil pastel, 9 x 12 in., C D Creative Studio, Art Educator: Cynthia Dealhunt.
Beckett C., "Radial Symmetry Prints," watercolor and ink, 8 x 8 in., Christ the King Catholic School, Art Educator: Mimi Parrish.
Honorable Mention: Angel D.L., "Orange Chicken," mono print, 9 x 7 in., Lakewood Elementary School, Art Educator: Kathyrn Emerson.
Best in Class, Achievement in Watercolor: Courtney F., "Continuous Line Courtney," Sharpie© marker and watercolor, 24 x 18 in., The Anthony School, Art Educator: Graeme Ellzey.

Fifth Grade

Emerson B., "In Your Area," colored pencil, 18 x 9 in., Flippin Elementary, Art Educator: Tracey Moore.
Honorable Mention: Emma S., "Wolf of the Clouds," oil pencil, 12 x 9 in., C D Creative Studio, Art Educator: Cynthia Dealhunt.
Honorable Mention: Ashlynn S., "Lake Ouachita," ink and watercolor, 10 x 8 in., Williams Traditional Magnet Elementary, Art Educator: Benita Robinson.
Genesis G., "Graphite Portrait," graphite and chalk pastel, 24 x 18 in., Carl Stuart Middle School, Art Educator: Zachary Nolan.
Best in Class: Bleu C., "Self-Portrait," oil pastel, 12 x 14 in., Forest Heights STEM Academy, Art Educator: Shelby Baker.

Sixth Grade

Sammy S., "Self-Portrait," acrylic, 12 x 9 in., Flippin Elementary School, Art Educator: Tracey Moore.
Honorable Mention: Weston L., "Yellow Vibes," colored pencil and paint pen, 11 x 8 in., Bright Field Middle School, Art Educator: Molly Renoir.
Oliver S., "Op Art," colored pencils and Sharpie© marker, 10 x 10 in., Christ the King Catholic School, Art Educator: Mimi Parrish.
Best in Class: Slyvia H., "My Rainbow of Treasures," ceramic, 22 x 5 x 5 in., The Anthony School, Art Educator: Graeme Ellzey.
Honorable Mention: Henry O., "Powdery Paradise," acrylic and pen, 12 x 14 in., Little Rock Young Artists, Art Educator: Jamie Freyaldenhoven.

Seventh Grade

Best in Class: Maliha Z., "We Are Equal," graphite, 16 x 18 in., Grimsley Junior High, Art Educator: Jerris Palmer.
Honorable Mention: Zaibree M., "Blink," acrylic, 12 x 9 in., Highland Middle School, Art Educator: Michale Riggs.
Amina S., "Into the Wild," acrylic, 11 x 14 in., Episcopal Collegiate School, Art Educator: Sarah Higgins.
Owen H., "Man's Best Friend," oil pastel, 11 x 14 in., Carl Stuart Middle School, Art Educator: Zachary Nolan.
Honorable Mention: Collaborative Project, "Andy," acrylic, 26 x 18 x 1 in., The Anthony School, Art Educator: Graeme Ellzey.

Eighth Grade

Autumn N., "Louise's Garden," acrylic, 20 x 16 x 1/2 in., Thaden School, Art Educator: Sarah Benson.
Honorable Mention: Sara S., "Self-Portrait," coloredl pencil, 12 x 9 in., Russellville Junior High School, Art Educator: Anna Calavitta.
Honorable Mention: Mel N., "Fee Fi Fo Fum," graphite, 20 x 16 in., Washington Junior High School, Art Educator: Jenn Tatum.
Jace R., "The Game," oil pastel, 18 x 15 in., Beebe Junior High, Art Educator: Lisa Smith.
Best in Class: Jackson L., "Ernie," ceramic, 7 x 4 x 4 in., The Anthony School, Art Educator: Graeme Ellzey.

Ninth Grade

Tru A., "Luminaire," pastel, 14 x 11 x 1 in., Flippin High School, Art Educator: Cheryl Blasdel.
Violet B., "Dominoes with Grandpa," charcoal, 24 x 19 in., Thaden School, Art Educator: Nina Buonauito.
Honorable Mention: Macy S., "Self-Portrait," graphite, 20 x 16 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Matt TerAvest.
Honorable Mention: Camila G., "Ana," graphite, 20 x 16 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Maribeth Anders.
Best in Class: Leina C., "Letting Go," graphite and watercolor collage, 18 x 12 in., Founders Classical Academy - Rogers, Art Educator: Robert Lemming.

Tenth Grade

Honorable Mention: Josh W., "Stallion of the Sea," metal, 3 ft. x 15 in. x 15 in., Searcy High School, Art Educator: Terry Hester.
Didier V., "St. Francis," pen and ink, 18 x 12 in., Morrilton High School, Art Educator: Stephanie Bates.
Honorable Mention: Aiden S., "A Beautiful State," photography, 10 x 8 in., Cabot High School, Art Educator: Christine Guenard.
Sasha B., "Nest," pastel on sandpaper, 22 x 16 in., Little Rock Central High School, Art Educator: Jason McCann.
Best in Class: Elizabeth L., "Self Insecurity Presenting the Head of Itself," graphite, 24 x 18 in., Pulaski Academy, Art Educator: Lauren Kinder.

Eleventh Grade

Best in Class: Jax N., "Untitled," mixed media, 9 x 6 in., North Little Rock High School, Art Educator: Reagan Wentzel.
Achievement in Painting: Ciara G., "My Hero," mixed media, 13 x 10 in., El Dorado High School, Art Educator: Katie Harwell.
Honorable Mention: Shelia D., "The Bus Ride of Despair," colored pencil, 24 x 16 in., Cabot High School, Art Educator: Helen Goodman.
Honorable Mention: Aspen E., "Lyn," colored pencil and pastel, 24 x 18 in., Little Rock Central High School, Art Educator: Jason McCann.
Kathryn M.O., "Apples," felt, beads, and wool, 4 x 6.5 x 18 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Maribeth Anders.

Twelfth Grade

Honorable Mention: Adam D., "Beautiful Struggle," oil, collage, and graphite, 24 x 18 x 1/2 in., North Little Rock High School, Art Educator: Reagan Wentzel.
Sarah R., "Reconnected," mixed media, 26 x 18 x 1 in., North Little Rock High School, Art Educator: Tonya Wentzel.
Honorable Mention: Maryn A., "Destiny," cyanotype, 10 x 8 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Matt TerAvest.
Dana M., "Bird," reduction linocut, 10 x 8 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Maribeth Anders.
Best in Class: Collaborative Project, "Catrina," paper mâché, 65 x 34 x 36 in., Arkansas Arts Academy, Art Educator: Carrie Haase.

Awards

Five works per grade, totaling 65 works, will be selected for the exhibition by a panel of Museum educators and faculty. The grand juror will then select one Best in Class and two Honorable Mention awards for each grade, along with one Mid-South Watercolorists Best in Show Watercolor Award. Each winning artist’s school or program receives a monetary award to support its art program.

Best in Class

13 Best in Class winners will receive $350 for their school or program.
Honorable Mention

26 Honorable Mention winners will receive $200 for their school or program.
Best in Show Watercolor Award

1 Mid-Southern Watercolorists Best in Show Watercolor Award winner will receive $250 for their school or program.

About the Grand Juror

Jeannie Hulen

Professor Jeannie Hulen is the Studio Art Program Director in the School of Art at the University of Arkansas. Her past leadership roles have been Associate Dean in Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences from 2017-2023 and chair of the Department of Art.

During her administrative leadership, she stewarded historic gifts for the School of Art, including $120 million from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation and over $72 million from the Windgate Charitable Foundation, for the establishment of an endowed world-class School of Art and new state of the art facilities.

Her first appointment at the University of Arkansas as a ceramics faculty member was in 2002. She received a BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute in 1995, and an MFA from Louisiana State University in 2000.

She has exhibited internationally, including many exhibitions in conjunction with the National Council for the Education of Ceramic Arts.

In 2009, she was a Resident Visiting Artist at the Tainan National University of The Arts in Tainan, Taiwan. She currently has ongoing research in West Africa following her 2018-2019 US Fulbright Scholar post at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana.