A "Must-See" Gold Key Exhibition
There are talented, creative teens all over Northeast Florida. The visual arts can give them the skills and the tools they need to express that creativity and, with the right opportunities, let it propel them to college and careers. With the right teachers, family, and friends to support and inspire them, they can create amazing, thoughtful works of art that give us a window into their experiences and worldview. That's why every year, the Main Library plays host to some of the most amazing and talented student artists that the region has to offer.
Celebrate their artistry and achievement with us this February and March!
Early Preview on the First Floor
The 2024 Northeast Florida Scholastic Art Awards (NEFSAA) Gold Key Exhibition doesn't officially open until Saturday, February 17. But we're treating Art Walk attendees to an early preview (on the first floor) on Wednesday, February 7.
When the full exhibit is open the following week, there will be hundreds of pieces of award-winning student art on display - so much so that you'll have to visit the first three floors - including the entryway of the Teen Room - to see it all!
But don't worry, the show runs until March 10 if you need a little extra time to take it all in.
What Is Scholastic?
For 101 years, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have supported the future of creativity by offering millions of students in grades 7-12 the opportunity for recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships. Students are encouraged by their educators, both in schools and through out-of-school programs, to submit their original work. All students in grades 7 through 12 (ages 13 and up), whether in public, private, or home schools, can apply.
For the past 15 years, the Northeast Florida Scholastic Art Awards has been the regional visual art affiliate for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards -- offering recognition, celebration of, and college scholarship offers for visual art students in our area.
The Arts Add Up
The 2024 NEFSAA season collected and adjudicated 3,476 student submissions from 1,663 students in eight counties including Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns, Union and Volusia counties. This year 1,583 awards were distributed to 819 student winners including 280 Gold, 463 Silver, and 677 Honorable Mentions.
In the last six years, regional award winners have earned $33 million in college scholarship offers from Savannah College of Art & Design, Jacksonville University, and the University of North Florida. Gold Key winners at the regional level automatically go on to the national competition.
This exhibition is part of an ongoing partnership with Duval County Public Schools and their Fine Arts Department. In the coming months, Jacksonville Public Library will also host The Best of Elementary Art Show and The Best of Middle Art Exhibition.
We also work with local artists' groups. If you are interested in exhibiting your artwork at one of our libraries and you're already a member of The Art Center Cooperative, Inc. or Jacksonville Artists' Guild, please speak with your respective group about upcoming shows. You can also Request to Exhibit on your own. For more information, check out our Exhibit Policy or ask to speak with the manager at the library location that you're interested in working with.
