The 2nd annual Juried Southwest Georgia Student Art Exhibition opened at the 8th annual The Heart of Albany Festival on Saturday, Nov 15. The West Gallery showcase will be on view at the Albany Museum of Art through Saturday, Jan 3, 2026.
More than 70 students in middle and high school submitted works in four categories. Attendees of the festival voted for their favorite artworks for the People’s Choice Award. The first- and second-place winners in high school, and the People’s Choice received cash awards in addition to certificates.
Winning works in the 2025 showcase are:
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Daroiyun Strawder, Monroe High School, Bloom of the Mind.
Strawder was also the People’s Choice winner at the first student exhibition in 2024.
ABSTRACT 2D WORKS
First place: Destiny Carter, 9th grade, Monroe High School, Static Colors
Second place: Juliet Cannon, Deerfield-Windsor School, Clown
Honorable Mention: Jamyla Richardson, 9th grade, Monroe High School, Soft Energy
TECHNICAL 2D WORKS
First place: Caleb Bradley, 12th grade, Westover High School, Smoke Reflection
Second place: Cameron Prim, 12th grade, Westover High School, Sugar High
Honorable Mention: Makayla Bailey, 12th grade, Monroe High School, Ashes of Oppression
PHOTOGRAPHY & DIGITAL
First place: Destiny Melvin, Dougherty High School, Chocolate Emporium
Second place: Daiveon Davis, Dougherty High School, Surfer Boy
Honorable Mention: Kelsey Salter, Dougherty High School, Poured to Perfection
SCULPTURE & 3D
First place: Phoenix Adams, 10th grade, homeschool, Escape
Second place: Jack Hopkins, 10th grade, homeschool, Aldabra Tortoise Habitat
Honorable Mention: Marley Davis, Dougherty High School, Celebration
