04 Mar “8×10” YEA Show in the City Gallery 2026
The Youth Emerging Artist Membership, part of the Creative Futures Program at the Greater Augusta Arts Council, launched in 2024 to make sure young creatives have a place to shine! Open to artists as young as 6 years old through college students, the program connects kids and teens with exciting opportunities, helpful resources, and real-world experiences in the arts. It’s all about building confidence and showing young artists that their creativity matters.
For our first annual YEA showcase, 8×10, Youth Emerging Artist members ages 8–18 were invited to share their original artwork, each sized to 8″ x 10,” in a real gallery exhibition at the front of the City Gallery! This colorful and inspiring show celebrates the unique voices of Augusta’s next generation of artists. Not only do these young creatives get to see their work displayed publicly, but they also get the full “artist experience” and even have the chance to win special awards!
Experiencing the arts firsthand is vital for young artists because it transforms their creativity from something abstract into something tangible and possible. When kids see live performances, visit galleries, participate in exhibitions, or create alongside working artists, they gain a deeper understanding of artistic process, discipline, and expression. These real-world experiences help young creatives envision a future where their voices and perspectives matter. By engaging directly with the arts, emerging artists develop not only their skills, but also a sense of belonging within a creative community.
You can see the exhibition at the City Gallery, 535 Telfair Street, Augusta, GA 30901, from March 6 through April 22. Join us for a fun reception and award ceremony on Friday, April 17 from 5:00–7:00 PM to meet the artists, celebrate their amazing work, and cheer them on!
Featured YEA artists include: Soheila Tamaddon, Thatcher Holmes, Cullie La Pan, Liam Anderson, Siddharth Malik, Elliott Mills, Alaina Mills, Annie Lies, Ashton Bliss, Naleigh Lucas, Esther Grace, Phoenix Cardinal, and Bailey Burch.