Art Center East (ACE) in La Grande is thrilled to announce its inaugural Youth Art Open Exhibit, a new opportunity for students in grades K-12 across Eastern Oregon to showcase their creativity and artistic talents in two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and literary artworks. The exhibit will be on display at ACE Nov. 1-15, 2025. Community members of all ages are invited to attend a free opening reception on Sat., Nov. 1, from 12-2 p.m. 

This exhibit will feature K-12 students’ artworks in any two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and literary mediums. These mediums may include painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, poetry, short stories, and more. ACE’s galleries provide a professional setting for young creators to display—and, if they choose, sell—their work. For many participants, the exhibit is their first opportunity to present their work in a professional gallery. Exhibiting their artwork supports children and teens in developing their creativity, gaining early experience in artistic entrepreneurship, and sharing their work with the wider community.

Honorable Mention awards will be presented to artists in each age group and each category during the opening reception on Sat., Nov. 1. The People’s Choice award will be announced after the exhibit closes. Special thanks to our partner, Optimist International Club of La Grande, Oregon, for being a sponsor at this year’s Youth Art Exhibit.

Amplifying the creative voices of children and teens across ACE’s ten-county service area, the new youth art exhibit reflects ACE’s long-standing mission to inspire, enrich, and interlace Eastern Oregon communities through creative expression. ACE works to ensure that the arts are accessible, inclusive, and central to community life through mentorship, exhibit opportunities, and community engagement.