Celebrating Student Talent

The 2026 CCHS Art Show

The Charles City Arts Center was filled with energy, pride, and creativity as we hosted the opening reception for the Charles City High School Art Show. From 5–7pm, more than 200 community members came through our doors to celebrate the incredible work of our local students.

This year’s exhibit features over 200 pieces of artwork spanning a wide range of media, including drawing, painting, photography, digital art, wheel-thrown pottery, and 3D sculptural design. The depth of creativity and skill on display is truly remarkable.

A Collaborative Effort

CCHS art teachers Brian Bohlen and Tia McInroy spent several weeks preparing and curating the show. They installed the exhibit in our gallery on Wednesday (April 8), and their work paid off. The space looks amazing!

We are always grateful to partner with our local art educators, and it was wonderful to welcome them back again for this annual April tradition.

A Community That Shows Up

The opening reception was a powerful reminder of how much this community values its young people. We were thrilled to host these talented students (who should be very proud of their work!), parents and families showing their support, local teachers (not just the art ones) celebrating their students, and longtime supporters alongside new faces.

There was a genuine sense of pride in the room, and it was clear how deeply this community cares about our young people.

Thank You to Our Judge

A special thank you goes to this year’s judge, Dennis “Pete” Petersen. A retired art teacher from the Charles City Middle School, Pete brought both expertise and heart to the jury process. He dedicated significant time and thoughtful consideration to reviewing each piece.

He is a longtime supporter of the arts in our community—and one of our favorite people. We are incredibly grateful for his continued involvement and encouragement of young artists.

A Personal Reflection

Attending this opening reception brought back memories of my own high school art classes and the CCHS Art Show that I participated in- a LONG time ago! Of course my art teacher back then was Mr. Art Strong, who was a saint to put up with my chronic procrastination. It's a wonder I had anything in that show... and only thanks to him, certainly. The hindsight that comes with age, and my newfound knowledge of how much time and effort the teachers pour into this show each year, gives me a stronger appreciation for our local educators. It’s a powerful reminder that behind every student is a teacher who truly believes in them.

I recognized many student names—some classmates of my own daughter, and some with parents who were in my graduating class. It was wonderful catching up with fellow parents, the art teachers, and Mr. Petersen, who was once my art teacher (and still one of my favorite people).

This reception was a reminder of how important the arts are—creative expression builds confidence and healthy minds, but it also brings people together and strengthens our community.

Award Winners - Congratulations!

Best in Show: Hayley Morris, Charcoal Froag

First Place, Drawing & Painting: Ayla Weber, Landscape

Second Place, Drawing & Painting: Tessa Knecht, Tryptic

Third Place, Drawing & Painting: Chaeeun Park, Still Life

First Place, 2-D Design: Adeline King, Hansel & Gretel

Second Place, 2-D Design: Payton Kadner, Book Covers

Third Place, 2-D Design: Keyrra Flowers, Wrestling

First Place, Wheel Thrown Pottery: Fiona Pittman, Bowls

Second Place, Wheel Thrown Pottery: Braelynn Painter, Floral Plate

Third Place, Wheel Thrown Pottery: Brynn Roethlers, Dinosaur Plates

First Place, 3-D Design: Camryn Hoeft, Blue Octopus

3-D Design, Second & Third Place: Lilyana Johnson, Female & Chaeeun Park, Pink Octopus

Honorable Mention: Lila Baker Neve, Eye Designs

Honorable Mention: Nyssa Salinas, Hair

Honorable Mention: Davin Wilson, Photo

Honorable Mention: Eliza Causey, Hands

Honorable Mention: Holden McInroy, Raccoon

Honorable Mention: Alexuz Ohlendorf, Frog

Honorable Mention: Lilyana Johnson, Teapot Set

Come See It Before It’s Gone

If you were able to attend the opening—thank you! If not, there’s still time.

The exhibit will remain on display in our gallery through April 25, and we invite everyone to stop in and experience it.

With Gratitude

Thanks to our our staff & volunteers, dedicated teachers, Dennis 'Pete' Petersen, parents & families, and everyone else in our community who made this event a success for local students!

Come see the incredible talent of our local students and help us continue supporting opportunities like this.

Your support helps us provide space, programming, and opportunities that uplift young artists in our community.

Support the Arts

Join the Conversation

Want to tell us what you thought of the reception, thank someone for their time, or congratulate a student? Drop a comment! We'd love to hear from you 💛