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Museum Admission is Free
Open Today / 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Photo of a mother and young daughter looking at art in an art gallery. Photo of a mother and young daughter looking at art in an art gallery. Photo of a mother and young daughter looking at art in an art gallery.
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64th Young Arkansas Artists

May 17 – August 10, 2025

For over 60 years the Young Arkansas Artists (YAA) exhibition has highlighted and showcased the incredible work by students and educators across the state. By celebrating students, the Young Arkansas Artists exhibition promotes creative thinking and curiosity while building confidence in young artists. For art educators, the exhibition demonstrates the remarkable commitment, passion, and expertise they provide. Representing a wide range of mediums and techniques, this exhibition reflects the diversity and creativity found in Arkansas’ classrooms.

This year’s exhibition is comprised of three works per grade, Kindergarten through 12th grade. The 39 works were selected by a panel of museum and art professionals. The Grand Juror selected a “Best in Class” award for each grade, along with other awards.

Kindergarten

  • Lorelai I., "Shape Eater," mixed media, 12 x 18 in., Ellen Smith Elementary, Art Educator: Katherine Barlow.
    Lorelai I., "Shape Eater," mixed media, 12 x 18 in., Ellen Smith Elementary, Art Educator: Katherine Barlow.

    Lorelai I., "Shape Eater," mixed media, 12 x 18 in., Ellen Smith Elementary, Art Educator: Katherine Barlow.

  • Best in Class: Estefania G., "Owl - Owl," oil pastel and tempera, 17 x 12 in., Landmark Elementary, Art Educator: Kelly Emerson.
    Best in Class: Estefania G., "Owl - Owl," oil pastel and tempera, 17 x 12 in., Landmark Elementary, Art Educator: Kelly Emerson.

    Best in Class: Estefania G., "Owl - Owl," oil pastel and tempera, 17 x 12 in., Landmark Elementary, Art Educator: Kelly Emerson.

  • Krislyn W., "Butterfly," tempera and paper, 12 x 18 in., Flippin Elementary, Art Educator: Tracey Moore.
    Krislyn W., "Butterfly," tempera and paper, 12 x 18 in., Flippin Elementary, Art Educator: Tracey Moore.

    Krislyn W., "Butterfly," tempera and paper, 12 x 18 in., Flippin Elementary, Art Educator: Tracey Moore.

First Grade

  • Eddie S., "Mr. Wiskers," Prismacolor colored pencil, 8.5 x 11 in., CD Creative Studio, Art Educator: Cynthia Delahunt.
    Eddie S., "Mr. Wiskers," Prismacolor colored pencil, 8.5 x 11 in., CD Creative Studio, Art Educator: Cynthia Delahunt.

    Eddie S., "Mr. Wiskers," Prismacolor colored pencil, 8.5 x 11 in., CD Creative Studio, Art Educator: Cynthia Delahunt.

  • Best in Class: Sophia C., "The Flower and the Pumpkin at Sunset," chalk pastel and glue, 12 x 18 in., The Anthony School, Art Educator: Caroline Harper.
    Best in Class: Sophia C., "The Flower and the Pumpkin at Sunset," chalk pastel and glue, 12 x 18 in., The Anthony School, Art Educator: Caroline Harper.

    Best in Class: Sophia C., "The Flower and the Pumpkin at Sunset," chalk pastel and glue, 12 x 18 in., The Anthony School, Art Educator: Caroline Harper.

  • Tristan S., "Alebrije-A Mythical Creature" tempera, 12 x 18 in., Gibbs International Magnet Elementary, Art Educator: Blair Ray.
    Tristan S., "Alebrije-A Mythical Creature" tempera, 12 x 18 in., Gibbs International Magnet Elementary, Art Educator: Blair Ray.

    Tristan S., "Alebrije-A Mythical Creature" tempera, 12 x 18 in., Gibbs International Magnet Elementary, Art Educator: Blair Ray.

Second Grade

  • Harper I., "Self-Portrait," mixed media, 11 x 14 in., Maumelle Charter Elementary, Art Educator: Hether Embrey.
    Harper I., "Self-Portrait," mixed media, 11 x 14 in., Maumelle Charter Elementary, Art Educator: Hether Embrey.

    Harper I., "Self-Portrait," mixed media, 11 x 14 in., Maumelle Charter Elementary, Art Educator: Hether Embrey.

  • Best in Class: Rose L., "Abstract Flowers," acrylic, oil pastel, paint stick, 18 x 24 in., Little Rock Young Artists, Art Educator: Jamie Freyaldenhoven.
    Best in Class: Rose L., "Abstract Flowers," acrylic, oil pastel, paint stick, 18 x 24 in., Little Rock Young Artists, Art Educator: Jamie Freyaldenhoven.

    Best in Class: Rose L., "Abstract Flowers," acrylic, oil pastel, paint stick, 18 x 24 in., Little Rock Young Artists, Art Educator: Jamie Freyaldenhoven.

  • Marshall T., "Black-Tailed Jackrabbit," acrylic, 8 x 10 in., Private Instruction, Art Educator: Toni Kirkpatrick.
    Marshall T., "Black-Tailed Jackrabbit," acrylic, 8 x 10 in., Private Instruction, Art Educator: Toni Kirkpatrick.

    Marshall T., "Black-Tailed Jackrabbit," acrylic, 8 x 10 in., Private Instruction, Art Educator: Toni Kirkpatrick.

Third Grade

  • Chance P., "Hands in Prayer," watercolor and glue, 12 x 9 in., West Side Elementary Art Program, Art Educator: Cherie Grizzle.
    Chance P., "Hands in Prayer," watercolor and glue, 12 x 9 in., West Side Elementary Art Program, Art Educator: Cherie Grizzle.

    Chance P., "Hands in Prayer," watercolor and glue, 12 x 9 in., West Side Elementary Art Program, Art Educator: Cherie Grizzle.

  • Best in Class: Clara K., "Folk Art Rabbit," construction paper and crayon, 9 x 12 in., St Vincent de Paul Catholic School, Art Educator: Heather Kordsmeier.
    Best in Class: Clara K., "Folk Art Rabbit," construction paper and crayon, 9 x 12 in., St Vincent de Paul Catholic School, Art Educator: Heather Kordsmeier.

    Best in Class: Clara K., "Folk Art Rabbit," construction paper and crayon, 9 x 12 in., St Vincent de Paul Catholic School, Art Educator: Heather Kordsmeier.

  • Shayla B.-L., "Mixed Emotions," tempera, 12 x 18 in., Gibbs International Magnet Elementary, Art Educator: Blair Ray.
    Shayla B.-L., "Mixed Emotions," tempera, 12 x 18 in., Gibbs International Magnet Elementary, Art Educator: Blair Ray.

    Shayla B.-L., "Mixed Emotions," tempera, 12 x 18 in., Gibbs International Magnet Elementary, Art Educator: Blair Ray.

Fourth Grade

  • Berkley C., "Reggie," paper, 9 x 12 in., CD Creative Studio, Art Educator: Cynthia Delahunt.
    Berkley C., "Reggie," paper, 9 x 12 in., CD Creative Studio, Art Educator: Cynthia Delahunt.

    Berkley C., "Reggie," paper, 9 x 12 in., CD Creative Studio, Art Educator: Cynthia Delahunt.

  • Penelope W., "Talking to the Moon," tempera, acrylic, Sharpie marker, 16 x 20 in., The Anthony School, Art Educator: Graeme Ellzey.
    Penelope W., "Talking to the Moon," tempera, acrylic, Sharpie marker, 16 x 20 in., The Anthony School, Art Educator: Graeme Ellzey.

    Penelope W., "Talking to the Moon," tempera, acrylic, Sharpie marker, 16 x 20 in., The Anthony School, Art Educator: Graeme Ellzey.

  • Best in Class: Ethan W., "Blue," paint stick and acrylic, 12 x 18 in., Lakewood Elementary, Art Educator: Jamie Freyaldenhoven.
    Best in Class: Ethan W., "Blue," paint stick and acrylic, 12 x 18 in., Lakewood Elementary, Art Educator: Jamie Freyaldenhoven.

    Best in Class: Ethan W., "Blue," paint stick and acrylic, 12 x 18 in., Lakewood Elementary, Art Educator: Jamie Freyaldenhoven.

Fifth Grade

  • Best in Class: Icker R.C., "The Great Chase," ink, 8.5 x 8.5 in., Landmark Elementary, Art Educator: Kelly Emerson.
    Best in Class: Icker R.C., "The Great Chase," ink, 8.5 x 8.5 in., Landmark Elementary, Art Educator: Kelly Emerson.

    Best in Class: Icker R.C., "The Great Chase," ink, 8.5 x 8.5 in., Landmark Elementary, Art Educator: Kelly Emerson.

  • Ilyana E., "I'm Blue," paper and graphite, 12 x 12 in., Old High Middle School, Art Educator: Jerris Palmer.
    Ilyana E., "I'm Blue," paper and graphite, 12 x 12 in., Old High Middle School, Art Educator: Jerris Palmer.

    Ilyana E., "I'm Blue," paper and graphite, 12 x 12 in., Old High Middle School, Art Educator: Jerris Palmer.

  • Zoe L., "Glowing Pumpkins," oil pastel, 11 x 14 in., Pulaski Academy, Art Educator: Sarah Waymire.
    Zoe L., "Glowing Pumpkins," oil pastel, 11 x 14 in., Pulaski Academy, Art Educator: Sarah Waymire.

    Zoe L., "Glowing Pumpkins," oil pastel, 11 x 14 in., Pulaski Academy, Art Educator: Sarah Waymire.

Sixth Grade

  • Mid-Southern Watercolorists' Suzanne Waggoner Memorial Award: Grace S., "Neighborhood Red Fox," watercolor, 18 x 24 in., Thaden School, Art Educator: Mikalah Carroll. Mid-Southern Watercolorists’ Suzanne Waggoner Memorial Award is provided by Mid-Southern Watercolorists.
    Mid-Southern Watercolorists' Suzanne Waggoner Memorial Award: Grace S., "Neighborhood Red Fox," watercolor, 18 x 24 in., Thaden School, Art Educator: Mikalah Carroll. Mid-Southern Watercolorists’ Suzanne Waggoner Memorial Award is provided by Mid-Southern Watercolorists.

    Mid-Southern Watercolorists' Suzanne Waggoner Memorial Award: Grace S., "Neighborhood Red Fox," watercolor, 18 x 24 in., Thaden School, Art Educator: Mikalah Carroll. Mid-Southern Watercolorists’ Suzanne Waggoner Memorial Award is provided by Mid-Southern Watercolorists.

  • Best in Class: Havana S., "Fields of Gold," oil pastel and colored pencil, 16 x 12 in., West Side Elementary, Art Educator: Cherie Grizzle.
    Best in Class: Havana S., "Fields of Gold," oil pastel and colored pencil, 16 x 12 in., West Side Elementary, Art Educator: Cherie Grizzle.

    Best in Class: Havana S., "Fields of Gold," oil pastel and colored pencil, 16 x 12 in., West Side Elementary, Art Educator: Cherie Grizzle.

  • Valerie H., "Angel Bunnies," watercolor and Prismacolor colored pencil, 12 x 8 in., Cabot Middle School North, Art Educator: Lisa Smith.
    Valerie H., "Angel Bunnies," watercolor and Prismacolor colored pencil, 12 x 8 in., Cabot Middle School North, Art Educator: Lisa Smith.

    Valerie H., "Angel Bunnies," watercolor and Prismacolor colored pencil, 12 x 8 in., Cabot Middle School North, Art Educator: Lisa Smith.

Seventh Grade

  • Braelyn S., "Solo Drill," ebony pencil, 18 x 26 in., Flippin Middle School, Art Educator: Cheryl Blasdel.
    Braelyn S., "Solo Drill," ebony pencil, 18 x 26 in., Flippin Middle School, Art Educator: Cheryl Blasdel.

    Braelyn S., "Solo Drill," ebony pencil, 18 x 26 in., Flippin Middle School, Art Educator: Cheryl Blasdel.

  • Sianna M., "Homage to Thiebaud," oil pastel, 12 x 18 in., Lincoln Junior High School, Art Educator: Craig Ford.
    Sianna M., "Homage to Thiebaud," oil pastel, 12 x 18 in., Lincoln Junior High School, Art Educator: Craig Ford.

    Sianna M., "Homage to Thiebaud," oil pastel, 12 x 18 in., Lincoln Junior High School, Art Educator: Craig Ford.

  • Best in Class: Lottie D., "Neon Skeleton," scratchboard, 7 x 12 in., Episcopal Collegiate School, Art Educator: Sarah Higgins.
    Best in Class: Lottie D., "Neon Skeleton," scratchboard, 7 x 12 in., Episcopal Collegiate School, Art Educator: Sarah Higgins.

    Best in Class: Lottie D., "Neon Skeleton," scratchboard, 7 x 12 in., Episcopal Collegiate School, Art Educator: Sarah Higgins.

Eighth Grade

  • Landry L., "Sunrise at Sea," oil pastel, 9 x 12 in., Little Rock Christian Academy, Art Educator: Melanie Buchanan.
    Landry L., "Sunrise at Sea," oil pastel, 9 x 12 in., Little Rock Christian Academy, Art Educator: Melanie Buchanan.

    Landry L., "Sunrise at Sea," oil pastel, 9 x 12 in., Little Rock Christian Academy, Art Educator: Melanie Buchanan.

  • Best in Class: Blaire B., "Pixie," scratchboard, 7 x 12 in., Episcopal Collegiate School, Art Educator: Sarah Higgins.
    Best in Class: Blaire B., "Pixie," scratchboard, 7 x 12 in., Episcopal Collegiate School, Art Educator: Sarah Higgins.

    Best in Class: Blaire B., "Pixie," scratchboard, 7 x 12 in., Episcopal Collegiate School, Art Educator: Sarah Higgins.

  • Kaylee F., "Emily Sue," graphite, 18 x 24 in., Grimsley Junior High, Art Educator: Jerris Palmer.
    Kaylee F., "Emily Sue," graphite, 18 x 24 in., Grimsley Junior High, Art Educator: Jerris Palmer.

    Kaylee F., "Emily Sue," graphite, 18 x 24 in., Grimsley Junior High, Art Educator: Jerris Palmer.

Ninth Grade

  • Peyton B., "Self-Portrait," graphite, 16 x 20 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Rodney Bailey.
    Peyton B., "Self-Portrait," graphite, 16 x 20 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Rodney Bailey.

    Peyton B., "Self-Portrait," graphite, 16 x 20 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Rodney Bailey.

  • Best in Class: Louise E., "Vanitas," ink, 9 x 12 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Shannon Harrison.
    Best in Class: Louise E., "Vanitas," ink, 9 x 12 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Shannon Harrison.

    Best in Class: Louise E., "Vanitas," ink, 9 x 12 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Shannon Harrison.

  • Elise F., "Generational Garden," acrylic, 16 x 20 in., Pulaski Academy, Art Educator: Stephanie Smith.
    Elise F., "Generational Garden," acrylic, 16 x 20 in., Pulaski Academy, Art Educator: Stephanie Smith.

    Elise F., "Generational Garden," acrylic, 16 x 20 in., Pulaski Academy, Art Educator: Stephanie Smith.

Tenth Grade

  • Best in Class: Chloe W., "Come Back," pastel, 14 x 26 in., Flippin High School, Art Educator: Cheryl Blasdel.
    Best in Class: Chloe W., "Come Back," pastel, 14 x 26 in., Flippin High School, Art Educator: Cheryl Blasdel.

    Best in Class: Chloe W., "Come Back," pastel, 14 x 26 in., Flippin High School, Art Educator: Cheryl Blasdel.

  • Lincoln C., "Bobcat Skull," ceramic, 4.25 x 3 x 3 in., Arkansas Arts Academy High School, Art Educator: Carrie Haase.
    Lincoln C., "Bobcat Skull," ceramic, 4.25 x 3 x 3 in., Arkansas Arts Academy High School, Art Educator: Carrie Haase.

    Lincoln C., "Bobcat Skull," ceramic, 4.25 x 3 x 3 in., Arkansas Arts Academy High School, Art Educator: Carrie Haase.

  • Mallory L., "Peeling Good," acrylic, 12 x 18 in., Pulaski Academy, Art Educator: Lauren Kinder.
    Mallory L., "Peeling Good," acrylic, 12 x 18 in., Pulaski Academy, Art Educator: Lauren Kinder.

    Mallory L., "Peeling Good," acrylic, 12 x 18 in., Pulaski Academy, Art Educator: Lauren Kinder.

Eleventh Grade

  • Aleksandra B., "Self-Portrait," chalk pastel, 18 x 24 in., Little Rock Central High School, Art Educator: Rex DeLoney.
    Aleksandra B., "Self-Portrait," chalk pastel, 18 x 24 in., Little Rock Central High School, Art Educator: Rex DeLoney.

    Aleksandra B., "Self-Portrait," chalk pastel, 18 x 24 in., Little Rock Central High School, Art Educator: Rex DeLoney.

  • AMFA Docents' Recognition Award: Diana J., "Sugar Rush," acrylic, 14 x 18 in., Episcopal Collegiate School, Art Educator: Anastasia Fink.
    AMFA Docents' Recognition Award: Diana J., "Sugar Rush," acrylic, 14 x 18 in., Episcopal Collegiate School, Art Educator: Anastasia Fink.

    AMFA Docents' Recognition Award: Diana J., "Sugar Rush," acrylic, 14 x 18 in., Episcopal Collegiate School, Art Educator: Anastasia Fink.

  • Best in Class: Luis V., "Youthful Imagination," colored pencil, 12 x 18 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Matt TerAvest.
    Best in Class: Luis V., "Youthful Imagination," colored pencil, 12 x 18 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Matt TerAvest.

    Best in Class: Luis V., "Youthful Imagination," colored pencil, 12 x 18 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Matt TerAvest.

Twelfth Grade

  • Levi J., "Joyful," colored pencil, 12 x 18 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Rodney Bailey.
    Levi J., "Joyful," colored pencil, 12 x 18 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Rodney Bailey.

    Levi J., "Joyful," colored pencil, 12 x 18 in., Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Art Educator: Rodney Bailey.

  • Best in Class: Leah M., "Untitled," chalk pastel, 14 x 18 in., Little Rock Central High School, Art Educator: Rex DeLoney.
    Best in Class: Leah M., "Untitled," chalk pastel, 14 x 18 in., Little Rock Central High School, Art Educator: Rex DeLoney.

    Best in Class: Leah M., "Untitled," chalk pastel, 14 x 18 in., Little Rock Central High School, Art Educator: Rex DeLoney.

  • Anna F., "Blue Berry Scones," acrylic, 16 x 20 in., Searcy High School, Art Educator: Terry Hester.
    Anna F., "Blue Berry Scones," acrylic, 16 x 20 in., Searcy High School, Art Educator: Terry Hester.

    Anna F., "Blue Berry Scones," acrylic, 16 x 20 in., Searcy High School, Art Educator: Terry Hester.

About the Grand Juror

The Grand Juror is an important member of the Young Arkansas Artists exhibition process and helps to foster connections in the wider Arkansas art community. Beyond selecting award winners, the Grand Juror is invited to share their expertise with students, educators, and the wider AMFA community by participating in the Awards Ceremony and Exhibition Opening.

The Grand Juror for the 64th Young Arkansas Artists exhibition is Christian Cutler, Director/Curator of the Windgate Museum of Art at Hendrix College.

Christian H. Cutler received his M.F.A. in photography in 2006 from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, MI, where he also assisted the registrar and preparator of the Cranbrook Art Museum. He earned his B.A. in 1997 from Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee, TN and attended the Glasgow School of Art in Glasgow, Scotland in 1995.

Christian is the Director/Curator of the Windgate Museum of Art at Hendrix College. He has previously served as Gallery Director for the Gallery of Art & Design at The University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO; Director of Galleries for Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX; Director’s Assistant for The Sir Elton John Photography Collection; and Co-Director and Registrar for Jackson Fine Art Gallery in Atlanta, GA. He has also owned an art installation business.

Christian’s interests and experience are multifaceted. In addition to his work as a gallery administrator, Christian taught introductory- and advanced-level traditional photography courses for high school and adult community classes. He also has led seminars on archival art preservation and on portfolio preparation for artists.

Additionally, Christian is a practicing artist whose work has shown internationally and is a part of the Sir Elton John Photography Collection. When he is not kayaking and fishing with his twin boys, Christian enjoys riding Italian motor scooters, mountain biking, and working in the studio.

Programs & Events

  • Awards Ceremony

    May 17, 2025 / 11:00 a.m.

    Grand Juror Christian Cutler will highlight each student’s work selected for the exhibition and present awards.

    GET TICKETS

  • Family Fest

    May 17, 2025 / 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

    Experience live art-making demonstrations and take creative inspiration from the art on view to make creations of your own.

    LEARN MORE

The 64th Young Arkansas Artists exhibition and awards are supported in part by the Alice L. Walton Foundation, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and Delaware North and the Jacobs Family, with additional support from Mid-Southern Watercolorists and Blick Art Materials.