Young at Art reception

media release: The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) continues its longstanding collaboration with the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) to present Young at Art. Organized biennially, Young at Art features the artwork of MMSD students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Showcasing the depth of expression, creative power, and developing skills possessed by young artists, the exhibition is a testament to the creative talent within us all.

Young at Art opens on February 13 in the State Street Gallery with a public opening celebration on Sunday, February 16 from 1–2:30 PM. The exhibition is free and open to the public and is on view until April 6, 2025.

Elise Daugherty, learning and community engagement coordinator at MMoCA shares, “Young at Art allows students to see their artistic work taken seriously and celebrated—no matter their age. It's inspiring to see these students' creativity and that their teachers foster.”

Madison’s public school art teachers were invited to submit up to three works of art for the exhibition, including individual and group works. This year, Young at Art includes artworks by over 144 students who attend 38 different Madison public schools. Included among the works are projects made collaboratively by small groups of students. The resulting exhibition displays a full range of subject matter, techniques, and art mediums—from drawing, painting, and collage to photography, jewelry, ceramic, fiber, and new media arts.

Bob Sylvester, MMoCA’s director of education, adds, “The imaginative artwork on display in this exhibition showcases the importance of creative expression and reminds visitors that we all have the capacity for joyful expression, even into adulthood.”

Young at Art was made possible with support from the U.S. Bank Foundation, the Nimick Forbesway Foundation, and Nancy Mohs.

ABOUT MMoCA

The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is always admission-free. Its vision is to be an organization that fosters the exchange of ideas and creates experiences that will inspire a wide audience; be a nexus for the work of emerging and established regional, national, and international artists; serve as a catalyst for the continued development of a vigorous community of artists; and provide a forum that will encourage people to be challenged by, reflect on, and make connections between art and the world around them.

Current hours: Noon-6 pm Wednesday, Friday and Sunday; noon-9 pm Thursday; and 10 am-6 pm Saturday.