WCSU 2026 High School Student Art Showcase

Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony
Sunday, May 31, 2–4 PM

Join Western Connecticut State University for an inspiring afternoon celebrating the exceptional creativity of high school artists from across the region. The 2026 High School Student Art Showcase Opening Reception & Awards Ceremonyinvites students, families, educators, and community members to experience a vibrant juried exhibition and honor the next generation of artists.

Presented by Western Connecticut State University in partnership with the Danbury Cultural Commission and Jerry's of Norwalk, this biennial exhibition features outstanding artwork by students in grades 9–12. Selected artists will be showcased in a professional gallery setting, with top artists receiving special recognition and awards during the opening reception.

Eighty-one works from 55 high school students were selected for inclusion in the competition and exhibition, which will be on view from Sunday, May 31, through Sunday, June 14, 2026. Listed by school or educational affiliation, the following students’ art was selected for the competition and exhibition:

Bethel High School: Emilia Inga Ortega, Macy Johnson, Jayden Solis, Jowell Solis, Karina Tran

Bridgeport Military Academy: Ana Oliveira

Cardinal Kung Academy (Stamford): Isidora Horsting

Danbury High School: Amaya Brown, Alice Coelho, Alana da Silva, Colleen Espinoza, Jennifer Grady, Ellie Moore, Ryan Navarro, Angie Piedra, Pietra Rodrigues, Katherine Suarez, Miriam Young

Homeschooled: Sofia Gomez (Bridgeway Academy), Maggie Pouder (Region 12 Shepaug) 

Newtown High School: Katherine Allen, Violet Assante-LaBash, Eileen Celli, Maya Chaudhary, Lilly Kohley, Lily McCrory, Chloe Minter, Lillian Padilla, Estelle Skerik, Morrigan Thorflyn

Orville H. Platt High School (Meriden): Cassidi Cortes 

Watertown High School: Nicole Buckley, Kendall Croke, Emily Cronan, Elena Welcome

Westover School (Middlebury): Nicole Etchie, Lucy Sunshine

Wethersfield High School: John Adams, Emily Allen, Michael Ber, Ardita Boshtrakaj, Jacob Camilleri, Isabel Dee, Koda Fairservis, Jada Guadez, Liliana Gugliotti, Joseph Htoo, Evgenia Milios, Violett Ramirez, Dean Rowell, Zelda Walsh, Catherine Webster, Haley Williams

Wilbur L. Cross High School (New Haven): Levi Rosario

William H. Hall High School (West Hartford): Elias Erik-Soussi

WCSU is proud to provide a platform that recognizes student achievement, encourages artistic exploration, and inspires future study in the arts. By bringing young artists into a collegiate exhibition environment, this showcase affirms the vital role of the arts in communication, community-building, and creative growth.

Exhibition Dates: May 31 – June 14, 2026

Gallery Hours:

• Tuesday–Friday: 12–4 PM
• Saturday–Sunday: 1–4 PM

Location:

The Gallery at the Visual & Performing Arts Center
43 Lake Avenue Extension
Danbury, CT 06811

Read the Press Release for more information, and RSVP to the Opening Reception at the button below.