Southeast Arkansas Students Shine in Annual Regional Art Exhibit at UAM

By the Arkansas Delta Informer Staff

MONTICELLO, Ark. — March 21, 2026 — More than a hundred young artists from across Southeast Arkansas are now showcasing their creativity this month as the 2026 Southeast Arkansas Regional Art Exhibit opens at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM).

Organized through the Arkansas Art Educators Southeast Region, the exhibit brings together standout K–12 artwork selected by teachers from ten counties, highlighting what organizers describe as one of the region’s most inspiring displays of student talent.

This year’s exhibition features an estimated 120–130 pieces, representing roughly 8–10 student artists per grade level, according to longtime UAM art professor Tom Richard, who helps install and judge the show each year. “From my recollection of installing this year’s exhibition, there were approximately 8–10 participants per grade level,” Richard said. “It’s a privilege for UAM to host this event and support the creativity of young artists across our region.”

The exhibit, on display in the Spencer Gallery inside UAM’s Fine Arts Center, runs through the end of March, with a closing reception and awards ceremony scheduled for Sunday, March 29 at 2:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Katie Meier, director of the exhibit, said the annual show is a point of pride for educators and students alike. “We are always grateful to UAM for their generosity in allowing us to use the gallery space,” said Meier, an AAE board member. “This exhibition gives our students a real sense of accomplishment and shows the community just how much artistic talent exists in Southeast Arkansas.”

Nickie Owens, co-regional director of the exhibit and a former Arkansas Art Educator of the Year, noted that the regional art showcase has given K-12 students across the region more than 35 years to showcase their work, dating back to 1990. Owens said she hopes the annual showcase will inspire other school districts across the region to participate in the future.

This year, Students from Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Cleveland, Desha, Drew, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Union counties are represented in the show. First‑place winners from each grade level will advance to a statewide exhibition in Little Rock later this spring.

For more information, the UAM School of Arts and Humanities can be reached at 870‑460‑1078.