Independent Arts News Reporting 13th Annual Youth Art Exhibition Opens at Phillips’ Mill
Reported on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Pictured Above: Julianna Pallican of West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South won the 2025 1st Place for Digital Art with “The Epiphany of Bass.” Photo Credit: Contributed.
NEWSROOM POST: NEW HOPE, PENNSYLVANIA
The Mill will be showcasing student artwork from a record 25 schools this year, weekends from January 25 through February 15.
New Hope, PA, – Though renowned for its support of adult artists, Phillips’ Mill actively seeks to nurture young visual artists as well, especially through its annual Youth Art Exhibition featuring the extraordinary work of area high school students. The Mill will be showcasing student artwork from a record 25 schools this year, weekends from January 25 through February 15.
Students are selected by their school art teachers who deliver paintings, works on paper, photography, digital art, and 3-dimensional works to the Mill each January. This year, the Mill is pleased to welcome Harry S. Truman High School of Levittown in Bristol Township as its newest participating high school.
When this show was first introduced in 2014, ten schools participated. The 25 participants this year include, along with Harry S. Truman High School, Central Bucks High School East; Central Bucks High School West; Central Bucks High School South; Council Rock High School North; Council Rock High School South; Ewing High School; George School; Hillsborough High School; Holy Ghost Preparatory School; Hopewell Valley Central High School; Hunterdon Central Regional High School; Neshaminy High School; New Hope-Solebury High School; Notre Dame High School; Pennsbury High School; Princeton Day School; Solebury School; Stuart Country Day School; The Hun School; The Pennington School; Upper Dublin High School; West Windsor-Plainsboro North; West Windsor-Plainsboro South; and Villa Victoria Academy.
“The Youth Art Exhibition is a rare opportunity to experience the creative lives of young people,” says Kathy Schroeher, co-chair of the show along with Susan Brussock. “Their works are energetic, emotional, often introspective and insightful. This is not your typical show of pretty landscapes.”
Having their work displayed in a historical setting such as Phillips’ Mill allows students to reach a larger audience and gives them the chance to sell their work if they choose. (100% of the purchase price goes to the student.) Besides being displayed in a professional manner, the students’ work is juried for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards in each of the five categories, plus one Best in Show award. A “People’s Choice Award” voted on by visitors to the exhibition is announced at the close of the show. This year’s juror is Morris Docktor, a classically trained artist whose work over five decades includes sculpture, murals, and portrait commissions. He has won numerous awards, including two at the Mill’s Juried Art Show last year.
Pictured Above: Kathryn Sweeney of Council Rock High School North with “Silent Sound,” 2025 Best in Show winner. Photo Credit: Contributed.
Many talented Youth Art Exhibition students have gone on to pursue careers in the arts, attending such schools as Rhode Island School of Design, Tyler School of Art, Savannah College of Art & Design, Fashion Institute of Technology, School of Visual Arts, and Pratt School of Art.
A true gift to the community, the Mill charges no fees to the schools or students participating in the show and waives admission fees and commissions on sales of the students’ art. Generous Mill members and patrons of the show support the 17 cash awards presented each year. To support this extraordinary exhibition and encourage talented young artists, visit https://www.phillipsmill.org/youth-art-exhibition. The show can also be viewed online at the same link.
The 2026 Youth Art Exhibition is on view Saturdays and Sundays from January 25 to February 15 from noon to 4 p.m. Free admission. Ample parking is available behind the Mill.
Phillips’ Mill Community Association is located just north of New Hope at 2619 River Road, New Hope, PA, 18938. (215) 862-0582. www.phillipsmill.org. Questions?: youth-art@phillipsmill.org.
