Mobile, AL — Although the Visual Arts Achievement Program and Young at Art have been discontinued statewide, Mobile Arts Council, in partnership with Amp Up Arts, is proud to continue its commitment to arts education and student recognition through the Greater Mobile Student Art Show, on view throughout February 2026.

This exhibition provides K–12 students from across the Greater Mobile area with the opportunity to showcase their artwork in a professional gallery setting, offering young artists a meaningful and affirming experience that mirrors that of working artists. Through this platform, students gain visibility, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the professional arts world.

Led by Kathleen Kirk Stoves and Sydney Cramer, the continuation of this program reflects Amp Up Arts’ and Mobile Arts Council’s ongoing dedication to expanding access to high-quality arts education and ensuring that young artists along the Gulf Coast continue to be celebrated for their creativity and achievement.

Sydney, Mobile Arts Council Program and Advocacy Manager has been pivotal to bringing the former Visual Arts Achievement Program and Young at Art to fruition year after year. Her dedication to advocating to all artists, aspiring and seasoned, inspired the partnership and continuation of highlighting our youth arts programming. To streamline entry, she is keeping the same format for submission and will continue to be the lead contact for educators looking to exhibit student work.

This year’s awards will jumpstart student’s art collection as they are handcrafted art plaques by acclaimed local artist Lucy Gafford Kastrantas. We are thrilled to honor emerging artists with one-of-a-kind handmade awards that can further activate their passion for art. Awards will be given to the top juried artwork in several categories. Categories of artwork include craft, drawing, painting, photography/new media, printmaking, mixed media, and sculpture.

Join us for the awards reception celebrating our local student works on February 28, 2026, from 12-2 p.m. at the Mobile Arts Council Gallery @ Room 1927. This event offers the community an opportunity to support arts education and celebrate the incredible talent of young artists throughout the region. We invite educators, families, and arts supporters to join us in recognizing these rising stars and to experience the diversity of artistic expression on display.

For more information, please contact the Mobile Arts Council at 251-432-9796 or visit mobilearts.org.

ABOUT MOBILE ARTS COUNCIL

Mobile Arts Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1955. Their mission is to enrich the quality of life in the Mobile area through increasing accessibility to the arts and promoting a vibrant cultural community. Projects of Mobile Arts Council focus on serving three components: community, education, and membership. For more info: www.mobilearts.org.