The Wayne County Arts Alliance is shining a spotlight on the creative talents of local youth with its first-ever fine art competition and exhibition for high school and college students. The event will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Bob Boyles Hall, Frontier Community College in Fairfield, Illinois. Artwork will be on display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an awards ceremony set for 4 p.m. Admission is free, and refreshments will be provided.
Student artists ages 14 to 25, who live in or attend school in and around Wayne County, are invited to submit up to three original works created within the last three years. Acceptable media include painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, mixed media, sculpture, clay, glass, fiber, wood, metal, and digital art. All submissions must be original, suitable for family viewing, and professionally presented. No entry fee is required.
To enter, students must submit an application and digital images (JPEG or TIFF) of their artwork by Monday, April 20th. Accepted artists will be notified by April 27th. Submissions are accepted via Google Forms, email, or text. Accepted artwork should be dropped off at Bob Boyles Hall on Friday, May 1, between 2 and 5 p.m., and picked up after the awards ceremony at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 2.
Cash prizes, including a Best in Show award, will be given in various categories. The Wayne County Arts Alliance encourages all eligible students to participate and share their artistic vision with the community.
For more information or to apply, contact event chairperson David Harl at dharl050597@gmail.com or call/text 618-919-0180. FNB of Fairfield is the corporate sponsor for this inaugural event.
The Wayne County Arts Alliance, formed in Fall 2026, is dedicated to promoting and supporting artists in fine art, woodworking, metalworking, ceramics, music, dance, and the performing arts throughout the area.