A 52-year tradition: Annual Teen Art Show showcases pride and talent of young artists in Greenfield

There is a specific kind of radiance that comes over someone when they see their work professionally hung in a gallery for the first time. For 52 years, the Annual Teen Art Show has provided that “ego boost” to local students, and according to Artspace Community Arts Center Board President Stephen Hussey, the pride on their faces remains the show’s greatest masterpiece.

“There was one time where I was standing at the door, and a group of high school kids came in, and I knew right away who the artist was, because [he was] radiant,” Hussey said. “He was so excited, and this was clearly a group of friends that were there. It was really, really nice.”

The exhibit, located in the Gallery of Artspace Community Art Center, features artworks by students from Pioneer Valley Regional High School, Northfield Mount Herman, the Bement School, the Academy at Charlemont and Franklin County Technical School, as well as work from students in the Center’s After School Art Program. The exhibit will be on display until Friday, April 24. 

For Claire Brown, an eighth-grade student at the Academy at Charlemont as well as a participant in the After School Art Program, the opportunity to see her art work displayed is exciting. 

“It was a bit of a surprise,” Claire said. “This is the first time any of my work has ever been in an art show like this, and I am a little proud of it. It’s a little bit of an ego boost.” 

Media and Communications Manager Chloe Torri, who leads the After School Art Program, highlighted the importance of encouragement and mentorship for young artists. 

“Bringing accessible art mentorship to teen artists is a big passion of mine,” Torri said. “Because what they’re learning in school sometimes is just a starting point [for] their artistic expression and they want to explore — [for example], fan art for movies. [In the After School Art Program], not only can I mentor each individual’s interests, but they can support each other.”

Artspace Director Madeline Miller emphasized the importance of the art show as an event that can bring together the community in celebrating the art of young people.

“It’s nice for the community to be able to come together and see what kind of art the kids are making and just be reminded that there are a lot of young artists out here in Greenfield and beyond,” Miller said.

More information about the Artspace Community Art Center and their After School Art Program is available at artspacegreenfield.org. The gallery is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.