The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) is proud to announce the 64th Young Arkansas Artists exhibition opened on May 17 and is on view through August 10, 2025. This beloved annual exhibition highlights the creativity and imagination of Arkansas’s next generation of artists, showcasing works by kindergarten through 12th-grade students from across the state.

For over 60 years, the Young Arkansas Artists program has celebrated the work of both students and art educators, promoting creative thinking, confidence, and curiosity in the classroom. The exhibition reflects the extraordinary diversity of media and ideas explored in Arkansas schools/art programs and recognizes the passion and dedication of the educators who inspire and guide young artists.

This year’s exhibition features 39 selected works—three per grade level—chosen by a panel of museum and art professionals. Christian Cutler, Director/Curator of the Windgate Museum of Art at Hendrix College, served as the Grand Juror, awarding a “Best in Class” honor for each grade level. In addition to making the final award selections, Cutler engaged with students, educators, and families during the awards ceremony on Saturday, May 17, as part of a festive Family Fest celebration.

“The 64th Young Arkansas Artists exhibition is a powerful reminder of the talent, vision, and potential that exists in classrooms throughout our state,” said Dr. Victoria Ramirez, Executive Director of AMFA. “We are proud to celebrate these young artists and to honor the educators who encourage their creativity every day.”

In recognition of their achievement, each selected student received a $25 Blick Art Supplies gift certificate, and their school’s art program received a $250 program award to support future arts education. Students and educators also received official exhibition certificates, and all “Best in Class” recipients were invited to attend a 2025 AMFA Summer Art Camp class at AMFA’s Windgate Art School. The special awards include the Mid-Southern Watercolorists’ Suzanne Waggoner Memorial Award and the AMFA Docent Award. The winner of the Mid-Southern Watercolorists’ Suzanne Waggoner Memorial Award artwork highlights overall achievement in watercolor. The award provides an additional $250 to support the art program and invites the awarded student to attend a Summer Youth Art Camp. The winner of the AMFA Docents’ Recognition Award artwork highlights achievement in other painting mediums. The awarded artist received $50.

The selected artists are as follows:

Kindergarten

  • Estefania G., Best in Class Award – Landmark Elementary, Little Rock
  • Lorelai I. – Ellen Smith Elementary, Conway
  • Krislyn W. – Flippin Elementary School, Flippin

1st Grade

  • Sophia C., Best in Class Award– The Anthony School, Little Rock
  • Eddie S. – CD Creative Studio, Cabot
  • Tristan S. – Gibbs International Magnet Elementary, Little Rock

2nd Grade

  • Harper I. – Maumelle Charter Elementary, Maumelle
  • Rose L., Best in Class Award – Little Rock Young Artists, Little Rock
  • Marshall T. – Toni Kirkpatrick Private Instruction, Malvern

3rd Grade

  • Shayla B.L. – Gibbs International Magnet Elementary, Little Rock
  • Clara K., Best in Class – St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, Rogers
  • Chance P. – West Side Elementary, Greers Ferry

4th Grade

  • Berkley C. – CD Creative Studio, Cabot
  • Ethan W., Best in Class Award – Lakewood Elementary, North Little Rock
  • Penelope W. – The Anthony School, Little Rock

5th Grade

  • Ilyana E. – Old High Middle School, Bentonville
  • Icker R. C., Best in Class Award – Landmark Elementary, Little Rock
  • Zoe L. – Pulaski Academy, Little Rock

6th Grade

  • Valerie H. – Cabot Middle School North, Cabot
  • Havana S., Best in Class Award – West Side Elementary, Greers Ferry
  • Grace S., Mid-Southern Watercolorists’ Suzanne Waggoner Memorial Award – Thaden School, Bentonville

7th Grade

  • Lottie D., Best in Class Award– Episcopal Collegiate School, Little Rock
  • Sianna M. – Lincoln Junior High School, Bentonville
  • Braelyn S. – Flippin Middle School, Flippin

8th Grade

  • Blaire B., Best in Class Award – Episcopal Collegiate School, Little Rock
  • Kaylee F. – Grimsley Junior High, Bentonville
  • Landry L. – Little Rock Christian Academy, Little Rock

9th Grade

  • Peyton B. – Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Little Rock
  • Elise F. – Pulaski Academy, Little Rock
  • Louise E., Best in Class Award – Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Little Rock

10th Grade

  • Lincoln C. – Arkansas Arts Academy High School, Rogers
  • Mallory L. – Pulaski Academy, Little Rock
  • Chloe W., Best in Class Award – Flippin High School, Flippin

11th Grade

  • Aleksandra B. – Little Rock Central High School, Little Rock
  • Diana J., AMFA Docents’ Recognition Award – Episcopal Collegiate School, Little Rock
  • Luis V., Best in Class Award – Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Little Rock

12th Grade

  • Anna F. – Searcy High School, Searcy
  • Levi J. – Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School, Little Rock
  • Leah M., Best in Class Award– Little Rock Central High School, Little Rock

For more information about the 64th Young Arkansas Artists exhibition, please visit arkmfa.org.

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