Youth Exhibits

One Community

2025 NC Freedom Fest Student Art Show and Competition

Arts Council of Wayne County
Lou Ann Bryan Smith Youth Gallery

Exhibit Dates: June 27 - September 6, 2025

NC Freedom Fest Student Art Show and Competition is BACK for another year of showcasing stellar artwork from students across Wayne County! These inspiring pieces pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of our military members and first responders. Stop by during Freedom Fest on September 6 to view the exhibit and catch the student art competition as winners in each age group will be announced during the event! Come support our young artists and celebrate our local heroes.

Plan a Field Trip!

Designed to enrich your students' art education, our field trip packages are affordable, accessible, and FUN! Learn more and inquire below.

Learn more!

Past Exhibitions

2024 NC Freedom Fest Student Art Show + Competition

June - September 2024

*Our past exhibits are currently being uploaded. Please check back later.*

Summer Art Camp

Ignite the passion for art in the young minds through our engaging and educational summer art camps. Let your child explore their creativity and imagination in a fun and supportive environment.

Join the fun!

Lou Ann Bryan Smith Youth Gallery

Honoring the legacy of arts educator, Lou Ann Bryan Smith, this gallery is dedicated to showcasing young Wayne County artists. Apply here to begin your young artist's artistic journey! Individual and classroom proposals will be considered.

Individual Submission

Classroom Submission

Teen Art Club

The perfect creative hub for teens to craft their own masterpieces and prepare for college. Encourage your teen to make creative connections and develop new skills with other young artists.

Homeschool Art Hour

Designed to enrich arts education for homeschool families, this is the perfect space for your at-home learner to play, explore, and find their creative spark.

Join us!

Artistic Support

We are dedicated to providing artistic support and resources to help artists thrive. Explore our range of services aimed at nurturing and promoting the local art community.

Arts Education: Instructing

We invite you to get involved in enriching the lives of youth and adults through engaging visual art and music lessons. Our dedicated instructors are experienced arts professionals and teaching artists, committed to fostering creativity and skill development in every student.

Grants

The Grassroots Arts Program Grant, generously funded by the North Carolina Arts Council, provides essential support to Arts Organizations and Nonprofits dedicated to enriching the community through arts programming.

Community Art Advocacy

Join us in advocating for the arts and leveraging its impact on community well-being. Together, we can elevate the importance of art in enriching lives and shaping vibrant communities.

Business Opportunities

We are dedicated to supporting your entrepreneurial journey through our Maker's Markets, Borden Family Art Market, teaching opportunities, and community calls for art. We provide the resources and connections you need to help your arts business thrive.

Arts Education: Learning

Join us in our enriching art education programs that foster creativity and skill development. Whether a beginner or an advanced artist, there's always an opportunity to learn and grow through classes and lectures.

Art Venue Assistance

We provide guidance and assistance for artists and art organizations in finding venues and spaces to showcase their work. Whether that is through our own Borden Family Art Market, Lou Ann Bryan Smith Youth Gallery, Main Gallery, or out in the community, we are here to bring your artistic vision to life.