The Ohio Alliance for Arts Education just announced the winners for the fifty-sixth Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition, which will be open for viewing on Sunday, April 12 through May 14, 2026, at the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus. This juried exhibition represents the creative expressions in the visual arts by outstanding, talented students from Ohio’s high schools. The exhibition is a cooperative effort between the Office of the Governor of Ohio, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, and the Ohio Arts Council, as well as many colleges, universities, and business sponsors.

The final selection of works of art, created by 9th through 12th grade students, was adjudicated by the following state jurors:

Jessica Boushie, Columbus College of Art and Design
Lisa Bare, Ceramic Artist, BareClay Studio
Keith Dull, Ashland University
Keith Spenser, Denison University
Melissa Vogley Woods, Denison University
Emily Weithorn, Mount St. Joseph University
Roscoe Wilson, Miami University
Jeff Yost, Cleveland Institute of Art

A total of 5,786 art entries were submitted by approximately 2,100 Ohio high school students. Selections from each of the fourteen regions were made by a panel of judges chosen by the regional directors. Amanda Schaeffer, State Director and coordinator of the exhibition states, “It is with great pride that we exhibit these students’ artworks at the Rhodes Tower. The exhibition is a testament to the high quality of visual arts education that exists in our state. It is vital that the community understands the value and importance of arts education, and the impact that it has on our young people. We hope that this exhibition fosters that understanding. We are fortunate that Ohio is a state in which the arts and arts education are supported by community and educational leaders, legislators, colleges and universities, civic organizations, and businesses. Without the support and encouragement from these groups, the achievements of these young artists might go unrecognized.”

Congratulations to OHHS Art and Design student, Lydia Wilson, who’s drawing “Goodnight Fugglers” was selected as one of the 275 works for this year’s State Exhibition!

In addition to the exhibition, there will be an awards ceremony on Sunday, April 12th at 12:00 PM in the Davidson Theatre in the Verne Riffe Center for Government and the Arts. Students and families are invited to attend this ceremony.

Details:
Exhibition Viewing
Rhodes State Office Tower
30 E. Broad St., Columbus Ohio 43215
Open daily during business hours
Beginning April 13, 2026

Awards Ceremony:
Sunday, April 12, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Davidson Theatre, Verne Riffe Center for Government and the Arts
77 S. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215