Open Call: High School Artists

Attendance is open to ALL Community Members! (Eventbrite RSVP Required)

Youth Artists please arrive @ 11A. Guests and Other Supporters @ 2P

Calling All Young Artists: CHICAGO YOUTH ART EXPO!

Are you a budding Basquiat or a future Frida Kahlo? Do you dream in colors, shapes and rhymes? We're thrilled to announce the inaugural Chicago Youth Art Expo inviting talented young artists from high schools across the Chicago and Chicagoland area to showcase their creativity and passion for art!

Competition Details:

  • Theme: "DRIFTING EN A MEMORY" (DREAM)

  • Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12) from the Chicago and Chicagoland area.

  • Medium: All forms of visual art are welcome, including painting, drawing, sculpture, digital art, photography, and mixed media.

  • Submission Guidelines: Each participant may submit three original artworks inspired by the theme.

  • Prizes: Exciting prizes will be awarded to the top three artworks, including cash prizes, art supplies, and recognition in local media, a chance to win a day in the life of an artist.

  • Judging Panel: Our esteemed panel of judges consists of renowned local artists, art educators, and community leaders passionate about fostering young artistic talent.

  • Exhibition: Selected artworks will be showcased in a special exhibition on April 6th at The Study Hotel at UChicago for the public to admire and celebrate with the youth artists! (Guest RSVP below)

How to Participate (TEEN ARTISTS):

  • Register online here.

  • Create your masterpiece inspired by the theme "Drifting En a Memory (DREAM)".

  • Submit a high-resolution photo or digital scan of your artwork along with a brief artist statement explaining your inspiration and creative process.

  • Stay tuned for updates on our website and social media channels for announcements about finalists and exhibition details.

  • This work can be new but not older than 1 year.

About:

The Chicago Youth Art Challenge is organized by Pigment International, The Four Arts Men in partnership with The Study Hotel and Gary Comer Youth Center.

Pigment International is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting artists of color and fostering creativity among the local artist community.

The Four Arts Men is a collective of four local, yet world renowned artists based in Chicago, whose mission is to provide a platform for young artists to express themselves, connect with their peers, and inspire positive change through the power of art.

GCYC Artists, Family, Community Members: Email dkenney@comercampus.org with questions.

For event inquiries and more information, please contact Phyliss.north3@gmail.com

Join Pigment, our art mentorship program partner, and these exceptional professional artists in celebrating the vibrant artistic talent of Chicago's youth and the impact they are having on our aspiring GCYC Artists and others!

We encourage you to share this exciting opportunity with students who are passionate about art. The CYAC is a platform for them to not only showcase their talent but also connect with other young artists, gain valuable exposure, and potentially win amazing prizes.

RSVP as our guest now. Space is limited. 2-5p

The Four Arts Men (Instagram)

Learn about our art mentorship and career exploration partner