This is an exhibition for families, educators, and the broader community to witness the powerful potential of youth when they’re given space to express and grow.

Exhibition Concept:

Our annual young artists exhibition of artistic growth and self-expression by our community’s budding creatives. Just like spring, their art and ideas are fresh, hopeful, and full of potential. Artists and creatives ages 3 to 25 are encouraged to submit but artists of all ages inspired by the theme may submit for consideration to be included in the exhibition. 

Tone: Hopeful, vibrant, affirming, full of discovery.

Important Dates:

• Submissions close on March 5th on Smarter Entry, at 11:59PM, *Acceptance notice sent by Thursday, March 12th.- all young artists will have at least one piece accepted, additional pieces are contingent on available space. Please note: Student Membership and Family Membership holders get their first piece entered for free with membership discount code: YIB26
• Receiving Saturday, March 21st, 11AM to 2 PM
• Opens Monday, March 23rd, 2026
• Closes, Friday, June 5, 2026
• Art Walks Thursday, April 16th & Thursday May 21
• Reception & Awards Wednesday,February 25th, 2026
• Artwork Pick Up Saturday, June 6th, 11AM to 2PM

A Juried Exhibition Celebrating Light, Connection, and Creative Uplift

What does it mean to illuminate a community? To shine light on its stories, voices, struggles, and triumphs?

Collective Illumination is a juried, multidisciplinary exhibition that invites artists of all backgrounds, ages, and practices to explore the transformative power of light - both literal and symbolic, as a force for connection, celebration, and shared humanity.

As the days grow shorter and the year winds down, this exhibition invites us to gather around the glow of creativity and imagine what it means to uplift one another through artistic expression. From works that shimmer, glow, and cast shadows to those that radiate emotional depth, resilience, or collective joy, Collective Illumination highlights the many ways artists reflect, reveal, and elevate the world around them, especially in times of stillness, introspection, or change.

Whether you're a youth exploring identity, a seasoned artist reflecting on community, or a collaborator creating space for others to shine, this show welcomes diverse interpretations of illumination as material, metaphor, and message.

Tone: Inspiring. Reflective. Visionary. Warm.

Great For:

• Textile & fiber artists working with shimmer, translucency, or light-reactive materials
   
• Sculptors incorporating glow, shadow, or movement
   
• Mixed media artists exploring themes of illumination, visibility, or emotional clarity
   
• Community-based or collaborative works that spotlight shared stories or connections
   
• Abstract expressions of joy, transformation, resilience, or gratitude

Let your creativity light the way, and be part of this radiant celebration of art that uplifts, connects, and reflects the beauty of being together.

Important Dates:

• Submissions close on November 16th on Smarter Entry, at 11:59PM, Acceptance notice sent by Thursday, November 20th.
• Receiving Friday, December 19th, 11AM to 2 PM
• Opens Monday, December 22, 2025
• Closes, Friday, February 27, 2026
• Artwalk Thursday, February 20, 2026
• Reception & Awards Wednesday,February 25th, 2026
• Artwork Pick Up Saturday, February 28th, 11AM to 2PM