Oxford Yoknapatawpha Arts Council Seeks K-12 Submissions for 2026 Art Show

The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council is calling Lafayette County K–12 students, including those who are homeschooled, to enter the 2026 Student Art Show. Student artwork can be dropped off on March 2 at The Powerhouse, located at 413 S. 14th St., Oxford, MS 38655. Selected works will be displayed at the OPC Activity Center from March 5 through April 25, giving the community plenty of time to stop by and enjoy the works by our young artists. A special reception will be held in April, where winners will be announced and participants recognized; the exact date will be announced soon.

The council’s announcement kept entry rules simple and direct. “Submission Details: • One piece per student • Art must be ready to hang (wire hangers preferred, no soda tops or mats alone) • Use the provided form and attach two labels to each piece,” the notice states. All artistic mediums are welcome and “creativity and originality are strongly encouraged.” Organizers urged families to prepare artwork so it can be displayed immediately on arrival.

The call invites a broad range of student expression: “Calling all young artists in Lafayette County!” the council wrote. “It’s that time of year to break out the sketch pads, paintbrushes, and canvases, and let creativity shine.” The announcement adds, “Whether your child loves drawing, painting, mixed media, photography, or another creative medium, we want to see their work!”

Practical details remain to be confirmed by parents and teachers. The Powerhouse address is listed as 413 S. 14th St., the same street address used by the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council office. The council’s contact block appears in the announcement as: “P.O. Box 544, Oxford MS 38655 (662) 236-6429236-6429) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.” Because the phone and email text in that block appear garbled or protected, families should plan now but check for final drop-off hours, whether schools may deliver works collectively, and the exact date and time of the April reception.

Beyond being a local showcase, the student show matters for public health and social equity. Arts participation supports expression, builds confidence, and creates social connections for young people. Including homeschooled students and welcoming all media reduces barriers to participation and broadens who gets to see and be seen by the larger Oxford community. Still, organizers and community partners should be mindful of access challenges such as transportation to the Powerhouse and costs of framing or materials, and consider supports so more students can take part.

For parents and teachers planning submissions: prepare one ready-to-hang piece, use the provided form, attach two labels, and bring work to The Powerhouse on March 2. Selected works will be on view at the OPC Activity Center March 5–April 25. “This student art show is all about expression, confidence, and celebrating the vibrant creativity of our community’s young artists. We can’t wait to see what they create!” For additional administrative correspondence the announcement lists Yoknapatawpha Arts Council at P.O. Box 544, Oxford MS 38655 and the contact block quoted above; check the council’s channels for updates as organizers confirm drop-off hours and the reception date.