New Exhibition Showcases Artwork by NYC High School Students
# **Young Artists Shine: NYC High School Students Showcase Talents in ‘Artists Rising 2025’**
In the heart of New York City’s vibrant art scene, a new exhibition, *Artists Rising 2025: Visions from the Teen Studio*, is putting the spotlight on young artistic talent. Held in a small Midtown gallery, this dynamic showcase features the works of 47 high school students from across the city, each offering a unique perspective through painting, drawing, and mixed media. The exhibition, which runs through April 18, is the culmination of *Studio Intensives*, a series of artist-led workshops hosted by the **Studio Institute**, an organization dedicated to fostering arts education for public school students.
## **Empowering Young Artists Through Comprehensive Arts Education**
The *Studio Institute* is an extension of **Studio in a School**, a nonprofit founded nearly fifty years ago by philanthropist and arts advocate **Agnes Gund**. The organization was launched in response to sweeping budget cuts that stripped many NYC public schools of their arts programs. Since then, it has provided thousands of students with opportunities to develop artistic skills, build confidence, and prepare for creative careers.
“I have always believed that every student has a fundamental right to quality art education,” Gund stated in an interview with *Hyperallergic*. The *Studio Institute* continues this mission by offering rigorous workshops that engage students in advanced techniques and professional development.
## **A Platform for Aspiring Artists**
The *Studio Intensives* include specialized courses in **painting and portfolio development**, specifically designed for high school students interested in pursuing art degrees in college. **Artist instructors and teen mentors** guide participants through lessons on layering paintings, color mixing, and visual storytelling.
Among the standouts in this year’s exhibition is a **self-portrait by Ty Golany**, a 10th-grade artist whose work is characterized by deep shadows and bold primary colors. Another striking piece by **Patricio German** portrays a figure burying their face in their hands, set against a muted purple-gray background—an introspective and emotionally charged composition.
On another wall, an arrangement of **charcoal and graphite figure drawings** presents studies of seated models, showcasing the students’ mastery of shading and form. One particularly striking piece, a **charcoal rendering by 11th grader Collin Hammond**, captures two figures intertwined in a moment of quiet reflection. These works reflect the students’ dedication and the high level of instruction provided by the *Studio Institute*.
“What’s interesting about the *Studio Institute* is that it gathers students from a wide range of backgrounds,” said program president **Tom Cahill**. “Some come from strong art programs at their schools, while others have had limited exposure to arts education. Despite their differences, they all find a common ground in their passion for art.”
## **Beyond the Classroom: College Preparation and Scholarships**
The *Studio Institute* goes beyond technical instruction—it helps students **navigate the college application process**. College mentor **Merry Morel**, a second-year student at the School of Visual Arts, understands the challenge of applying to art schools without guidance, having done so herself.
“I personally didn’t have access to a formal portfolio review program when I was applying,” says Morel. “I had to figure out most of the process on my own, from securing recommendation letters to researching scholarships.”
Now, Morel helps guide the next generation of NYC student artists through what can be a daunting process. The *Studio Institute* also eliminates financial barriers by offering **free portfolio programs** and **college scholarships** to help talented students pursue higher education in the arts.
## **Celebrating Artistic Excellence from Elementary to High School**
While the primary focus of *Artists Rising 2025* is high school artists, the exhibition also features a series of joyful, colorful **handmade clay masks created by third graders from the Bronx**. These masks, reflecting cultural traditions from around the world, capture an array of emotions—from smiling faces to expressions of surprise and fear.
“This exhibition is a joyful reminder of why Studio in a School exists,” Agnes Gund stated. “Art is more than teaching technique—it builds confidence, encourages critical thinking, and helps students find their unique voice.”
## **A Brighter Future for Arts Education**
As NYC continues to grapple with budget cuts in education, programs like the *Studio Institute* serve as a beacon of hope for aspiring artists. By providing accessible, high-quality arts education, mentorship, and professional opportunities, these programs ensure that young artists have the tools they need to thrive.
The works on display in *Artists Rising 2025* are more than just student projects—they represent **the future of art and the vital role of education in fostering creativity**. If you are in New York City, this exhibition is an inspiring reminder of the power of artistic expression and why it must be nurtured at all levels.
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