# The "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 at the Main Library!
Early Preview during Art Walk
The 2025 Northeast Florida Scholastic Art Awards (NEFSAA) Gold Key Exhibition doesn't officially open until Saturday, February 7. But you can get an Early Preview if you're visiting the Main Library during Art Walk on Wednesday, February 5.
Full Exhibition Opens Saturday, February 7
When the full exhibit is opens, 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! The show runs until Thursday, March 6.
The public is invited to a free reception on Saturday, February 15, from 1-3 p.m. where student artists and their teachers and families will get a chance to view and celebrate the exhibit together.
What Is Scholastic?
For 102 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 16 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 2025 NEFSAA season collected and adjudicated 3,189 student submissions from 1,921 students in eight counties including Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns, Union and Volusia counties. This year 1,611 awards were distributed to 744 student winners including 428 Gold, 467 Silver, and 716 Honorable Mentions.
In the last six years, regional award winners have earned $35 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 Propose an Exhibit at Main Library or one of our other locations with space for temporary exhibits.
