• 2024 Thomas Hart Benton Youth Art Competition and Exhibition

The “Thomas Hart Benton Youth Art Competition and Exhibition” presented by the Neosho Arts Council will be accepting entries from kid’s age 8 to 12 and teens age 13 to 17.

“The goal is to encourage young artists and help show them that their work is just as worthy of exhibition as an adult’s work of art,” said Sarah Serio, president of the Neosho Arts Council. The works will hang on public display this fall at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery.

By running this event concurrently with the 29^th Annual Thomas Hart Benton Art Competition and Exhibition for emerging and professional artists the group hopes to pave a path for young creators to start and keep exhibiting their works.

“Our group wants to encourage young area artists to create in traditional mediums so they can connect with their art in the same way that artists like Benton were able to,” Serio said. Prizes sponsored by Blick Art Materials will be awarded to the top three works in each division.

The event is accepting entries in painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, pastels, charcoal, ink, and other similar 2D mediums. No photography, digital works, giclees, high relief works, or 3D works will be accepted.
“It’s exciting to hold this exhibition of young artist’s works on the Hatchery grounds because this was a place Benton himself came to as a young artist to create,” Serio explained

This will be the second year for the exhibition to be hosted at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery which opened in 1888. Benton, who was born in Neosho in 1889, was known to have created art on the hatchery grounds. This includes a 1912 painting titled “The Fish Hatchery, Neosho.”

There is no entry fee for either division and no residency requirements. Up to three entries will be accepted per young artist. Works can be dropped off and entered September 20 – 26 at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery, McKinney St./Hwy 86, Neosho, MO 64850,  Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Awards will be presented on October 17 at a closing reception from 5:00 to 6:30pm at the Neosho Fish National Fish Hatchery.

You can learn more about the event and download the entry form at neoshoarts.net.