Greater Augusta Arts Council Celebrates Young Creativity with First Annual Youth Emerging Artist Showcase

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Tuesday, March 17th, 2026

The Greater Augusta Arts Council is proud to present the first annual Youth Emerging Artist (YEA) Showcase: “8×10”, highlighting the talents of local young artists ages 8–18. Part of the Creative Futures Program, the Youth Emerging Artist Membership launched in 2024 to provide young creatives, from age 6 through college, with opportunities, resources, and real-world experiences in the arts.

For this inaugural exhibition, YEA members were invited to share original artwork, each sized 8″ x 10″, in a public gallery setting at the City Gallery, 535 Telfair Street, Augusta, GA 30901. The show celebrates the unique voices of Augusta’s next generation of artists while giving them the full “artist experience,” including a reception and special awards.

Experiencing the arts firsthand is essential for young creatives. Live exhibitions, gallery visits, performances, and hands-on workshops help transform abstract creativity into tangible skills, building confidence and fostering a sense of belonging within the arts community. Through these experiences, emerging artists gain a deeper understanding of process, discipline, and expression while envisioning futures where their voices and perspectives matter.

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.

The exhibition runs from March 6 through April 22, 2026, with a public reception and awards ceremony on Friday, April 17, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The public is encouraged to view the exhibition and attend the reception to help celebrate these young artists and foster a sense of creative pride in their works.

For more information, visit www.augustaarts.com.