Bluffton eighth-grade art show begins call for 2027 entries

Bluffton eighth-graders are being encouraged to get creative as organizers begin seeking artwork for the 2027 Bluffton 8th Grade Juried Art Show.

The annual exhibition, established in 2015, gives young visual artists an opportunity to have their work judged and displayed for the community. Students from five Bluffton-area schools participate, with each student eligible to submit one piece of two-dimensional visual art. Previous participants have included H.E. McCracken Middle School, Bluffton Middle School, River Ridge Academy and Cross Schools.

Artwork for the 2027 competition is due March 5. A three-judge panel from the Society of Bluffton Artists will review the submissions March 10 and select 30 pieces for the exhibition.

Organizers are encouraging students to create traditional, original artwork and specifically ask that students not submit AI-generated pieces.

The program was created to provide students with artistic talent a community platform similar to the recognition often available to students through athletics. Art teachers and school administrators at the five participating schools help encourage students to take part.

Students at Bluffton Middle School will have another opportunity to put their creativity on display this year. The school has been selected to provide artwork for the 2027 show poster.

Each year, one of the five participating schools is chosen on a rotating basis to submit potential poster artwork. Bluffton Middle School students selected by their art teacher will create work for consideration this year. Poster artwork is due Jan. 8, with the finished show poster scheduled to be released Jan. 22.

After the March judging, the 30 selected works will be professionally prepared for exhibition with assistance from The Great Frame Up in Bluffton. The Bluffton Library will again provide space for the show.

The exhibition is scheduled to open April 1 and continue through May 8. Visitors will be able to cast ballots for a People’s Choice selection from April 1 through May 1.

An artists’ reception is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. May 6 at the library.
The Society of Bluffton Artists assists with the judging process, while The Great Frame Up provides mounting assistance for the selected artwork. The Bluffton Library serves as the exhibition site.
Students interested in participating should work with their school art teachers to prepare and submit artwork for consideration.