Each spring, the halls of the Santa Cruz County Government Center transform into a vibrant gallery, bursting with color, creativity, and the expressive voices of young artists guided by their dedicated art teachers. Walking through the exhibit, you’re surrounded by pieces that range from intricate paintings and mixed-media collages to bold sculptures. Every wall tells a story - of imagination, dedication, and sheer joy of artistic expression.
The annual Youth Art Exhibit, produced by Arts Council Santa Cruz County in partnership with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (COE), is more than a showcase - it’s a celebration of student creativity and a testament to the impact of arts education in our schools. This year, over 500 pieces from 30 schools are on display, representing the work of credentialed art teachers, dedicated teaching artists, and hundreds of young creators across the county.
To learn more about the exhibit’s impact, Sarah Brothers, Arts Education Director for Arts Council Santa Cruz County, sat down with Audrey Sirota, Santa Cruz County Office of Education Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator, for a conversation about the collaboration that makes this annual event possible.
Q: What makes the Youth Art Exhibit so special?
Audrey Sirota: This exhibit has been a tradition for over 35 years, and it continues to grow and evolve. It’s truly inspiring to see the diversity of work on display, from TK through 12th grade students, showcasing two- and three-dimensional pieces.
Beyond the artwork, it’s about creating a space for young artists to be seen and celebrated. Walking through the exhibit, you can feel the pride that comes from having work displayed in a public space. Students bring their families, teachers bring their classes - it’s a moment of recognition for both the young artists and the educators who nurture their creativity.
Q: How did this collaboration between Arts Council Santa Cruz County and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education come about?
Audrey Sirota: The partnership started with a shared goal: to ensure all students across all districts had a platform to present their work. The Arts Council had been organizing this event for over 30 years, but in 2017, we at the COE saw an opportunity to expand it and broaden student participation countywide.
Since then, we’ve worked together to make this exhibit more accessible and representative of the full arts education ecosystem in Santa Cruz County. Many of the teachers who participate have been involved for just as long as Sarah and I have, which speaks to the strong network of arts educators who make this possible.
Q: Why does the County Office of Education value this exhibit?
Audrey Sirota: This exhibit directly supports our mission to highlight student voice and leadership through the arts. Many teachers don’t have the bandwidth to organize exhibitions on their own, whether due to space, time, or resources, so we provide a countywide platform where their students’ work can be recognized.
It also aligns with educational standards that emphasize performing and presenting student work. We want to make sure that students see their creativity as valuable and that they understand their voices matter. The exhibit is also a key component of the COE’s Arts Plan for Equity, which aims to ensure all students, regardless of background, have access to meaningful arts education.
"There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing your own artwork hanging in a public space. It builds confidence, resilience, and a sense of achievement—proving that young artists are deeply engaged in the world around them."
Audrey Sirota
Miscellaneous Student Artwork on View at the Exhibition
Q: What impact does this exhibit have on students and the community?
Audrey Sirota: There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing your own artwork hanging in a public space. On average, 300 to 500 visitors see the show, with even more attending the First Friday Art Tour Reception.
For students, it builds confidence, resilience, and a sense of achievement. We’ve seen students take ownership of their work in new ways, whether explaining their creative process to a visitor or proudly pointing out their piece to family and friends.
For the community, it’s a reminder of how essential arts education is. We see recurring themes in student work - social justice, environmental awareness, self-identity - proving that young artists are deeply engaged in the world around them. Their art sparks conversation and reflection, making this exhibit more than just a gallery - it’s a dialogue.
Q: Why is it important for this to be organized at the county level rather than by individual schools?
Audrey Sirota: Organizing this at the county level elevates the visibility of student artwork and the role of arts education as a whole. Schools and teachers look to us as a support system, and this exhibit reinforces that they and their students are valued.
It also strengthens our arts education network, making it more tangible. Instead of small, isolated showcases, we create an event that reflects the collective impact of arts educators, students, and community partners across the county.
Q: What challenges does the exhibit face, and how can the community support it?
Audrey Sirota: Like any large-scale event, funding and capacity are ongoing challenges. We rely on community support, whether through sponsorships, donations, or simply showing up to experience the exhibit.
An annual sponsorship would be transformative, helping us sustain this event and continue offering hands-on art activities during the reception. Supporting arts education is an investment in the future, and we welcome anyone who wants to help keep this tradition thriving.
Join Us in Celebrating Santa Cruz County’s Young Artists!
Don’t miss this year’s Youth Art Exhibit, running from March 14 to May 6 at the Santa Cruz County Government Center. Experience the incredible work of local students and join us for the First Friday Art Tour Reception on May 2, from 5 to 7pm—featuring hands-on art activities, refreshments, and an opportunity to meet the artists.
Admission is free, and all are welcome!
Come celebrate the next generation of artists and the power of arts education in our community. We hope to see you there!
Event Details:
Youth Art Exhibit: March 14 - May 2 | Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm
First Friday Art Tour Reception: May 2 | 5-7pm
Location: Santa Cruz County Government Center, 701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz
Admission: Free
Parking: Free parking available