Katonah museum exhibition features high school artists

Hailey Nazario of Lakeland High School designed the exhibition’s signature marketing image. COURTESY OF KATONAH MUSEUM OF ART

Hailey Nazario of Lakeland High School designed the exhibition’s signature marketing image.

The Katonah Museum of Art will present “Young Artists 2026,” an exhibition of high school senior artwork, May 3 through 24.

Now in its 43rd year, the program highlights the creative achievements of students from more than 40 high schools across New York and Connecticut, featuring over 400 works spanning a wide range of media, scale, concepts and artistic approaches. “Young Artists 2026” is free and open to the public; donations are welcome.

“Young Artists” is an immersive educational experience, museum officials said.  Working alongside museum professionals and art educators, participating students collaborate to plan and produce their own exhibition, taking on roles as artists, curators, graphic designers, exhibition designers and installers. Through this process, students gain first-hand insight into how a museum exhibition is conceived and realized.

The program includes a graphic design workshop in which students develop the exhibition’s signature marketing image. Museum staff, trustees, the volunteer team, and participating students vote to select the final design. 

This year’s winning image was created by Hailey Nazario of Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak.

“The ‘Young Artists’ program is always one of the most rewarding moments of our year,” said Margaret Adasko, curator of education at KMA. “It’s inspiring to see the students’ creativity and unique perspectives. We are honored to showcase these young artists and hope this encourages future involvement in the arts.”

The Katonah Museum of Art is located at 134 Jay St, Katonah.