18th Annual Middle Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition Returns to the Parthenon
The Parthenon will once again host the Middle Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition this winter, presenting selected works by middle and high school students from across the region. Now in its 18th year, the annual exhibition is organized by the Tennessee Art Education Association in partnership with the Parthenon, Centennial Park Conservancy, Metro Nashville Parks & Recreation, and the Watkins School of Art at Belmont University.
The exhibition will be on view from January 23rd through February 28th and will feature work in ceramics, computer graphics, drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and video. Participating students represent public and private schools throughout Middle Tennessee, as well as home-schooled students in grades 6 through 12. The exhibition includes 187 selected works from more than 830 submissions, which were evaluated through a blind judging process by a panel from the Watkins School of Art at Belmont University.
First, Second, and Third Place winners and Honorable Mentions were selected for every grade level in each artistic category. Honorable mentions will also be announced, including Best of Show, Best of High School, Best of Middle School, and individual “Best of” awards across all categories. The panel judged the submissions on originality, technical skill, and the development of a personal artistic voice.
“Each year, we are in awe of the quality of work submitted by Middle Tennessee students,” said Benjy Davies, associate dean of the Watkins School of Art at Belmont University and one of this year’s judges. “We are so proud of and impressed by the immense talent across disciplines showcased by these students. The judging process is no small feat, and we are honored to be part of recognizing these incredible young people year after year.”
The judging panel also included Brandon Williams, assistant professor of printmaking at Watkins, and LaKesha Lee, 2025–2027 faculty fellow at the school. In addition to serving as jurors, the Watkins School of Art is offering scholarships to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who receive “Best of” awards in each category, as well as to the Best of High School recipient.
This year’s exhibition marks the fourth consecutive year that the event has been at the Parthenon. Parthenon curator Jennifer Richardson noted the significance of presenting student work in a museum setting. “It is such a privilege for our team at The Parthenon and Centennial Park Conservancy to encourage and inspire the next generation of artists in Middle Tennessee,” Richardson said. She added that the exhibition brings together students, teachers, and families to celebrate the depth and diversity of art created by students throughout the region.
Along with their presentation at the Parthenon, “Best Of” award winners will have their piece featured in the “Best of the Best” Statewide Exhibition, scheduled to take place later this summer at Todd Hall on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University.
More information about the exhibition is available at www.nashvilleparthenon.com/events.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Nastassja is a Hong Kong native who called Boston home for 7 years. She graduated with a BS in Journalism from Emerson College and is currently located in Fort Smith, Arkansas. When she isn’t writing or reading, you can find her crocheting and spending time with her husband, dog, and two cats.
