INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition

On Display May 18 – August 20, 2023
Opening Reception May 18 from 5-8PM

The South Orange Performing Arts Center presents the best and brightest in various series of visual art exhibitions in the Herb + Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC.  As a regional arts center, we are dedicated to nurturing and enriching the next generation with unique arts programs.  To that end, INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition is a celebration of young artists.

Every high school in Essex County is invited to participate.  The Young Artists Exhibition showcases visual arts by recognizing and fostering the artistic talents of high school students while their families, friends, and teachers celebrate and encourage their creative work.

Selected students enjoy a fully professional experience from juried selection, installation, an Opening Reception, exhibition, and in some cases, sale of their artwork.  Through this effort, we hope to represent the diversity of high school art students in Essex County.

Providing opportunities for emerging artists was the passion of the Gallery’s namesake, Milly Iris. Coupling those opportunities with education is at the core of SOPAC’s mission.  It is vitally important that we recognize arts education as valuable and that we nourish young artists and validate their achievements. We are delighted to offer our participating artists the chance to present their work in a professional exhibition.

Participating High Schools

Arts High School
Bloomfield High School
Cicely Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts
Columbia High School
East Orange Campus High School
Irvington High School
Lacordaire Academy
Livingston High School
Maor High School
Millburn High School
Newark Academy
Nutley High School
Orange High School
Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School
West Essex Regional High School
West Orange High School

Sponsored by the Iris Family Foundation. 

Framing generously donated by the South Orange Frame Shop.

View the Flickr Gallery for this Exhibition

If you are interested in making a purchase, please contact Linda Beard at (973) 382-1035 or lindab@sopacnow.org.

Pictured above: Toxic Positivity, by Ezra Simon

Check out our tentative schedule of upcoming exhibitions in The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery, located on the second and third floors of SOPAC.

SUMMER 2023

INSPIRED MINDS: YOUNG ARTIST EXHIBITION

MAY 18 – AUGUST 20, 2023

Opening Reception: May 18TH from 5-8PM

INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition is a visual arts program designed to strengthen the impact of arts and arts education through the local school districts. This annual program gives a comprehensive professional experience to Essex County high school arts students from submission, selection, exhibition, and possible sale of their artwork.