New Beginning youth art exhibition displays 81 student works at Otis Johnson Cultural Arts Center

Kim Slack, speaking for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, said the New Beginning Youth Art Exhibition at the Otis Johnson Cultural Arts Center features 81 student works and is on view through March 19.

The traveling exhibition, presented with support from the Savannah chapter of Links Incorporated, offers middle and high school students a professional forum to show technical work and personal expression. Organizers described the exhibit as part of a long-running partnership with SCCPSS that gives students a public platform for their artwork.

Brianna, a student at Savannah Arts Academy who identified herself during the program, accepted a best-of-show mention and thanked audience members. An unnamed student exhibited a piece inspired by a family member and described the work as intended to show “perseverance when you're, like, feeling low and you need to pick yourself up.”

Organizers said the exhibition highlights both technical skill and personal perspective and aims to spark conversation about culture and history through student art. The program, now in its 24th year with SCCPSS, was described as creating opportunities that many young people otherwise do not have, with the Links chapter providing support and networking to stage the show.

The exhibition is available to view at the Otis Johnson Cultural Arts Center through March 19, Kim Slack said.

The event includes work from Savannah Arts Academy students and other SCCPSS middle and high school participants; details on hours and any admission charges were not specified.