Allied Arts Georgia is set to spotlight all different types of art pieces from 10th through 12th graders from the Milledgeville Kiwanis Club Art Showcase, Feb. 6-26 in its gallery at 201 N. Wayne St. This free event is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students participating vary from public to private school to homeschooled.
Participating students were invited to submit their proudest piece of artwork, including sculptures, photographs, paintings, and drawings.
This exhibit will be the first time the Milledgeville Kiwanis Club has participated in this art competition, partnering with Allied Arts to provide a professional showcase and opportunities for students to compete for scholarships. According to Allied Arts Executive Director Rebekah Tobar, they wanted to partner with Kiwanis Club to support young artists and highlight that all artwork is meaningful.
“We support all our other artists, and these are the ones who are the most impressionable,” Tobar said. “We want to support them the best we can so they will keep doing their artwork. As adults, it’s harder to put yourself out there. There are a lot of insecurities because your art is a part of you.”
She also emphasized Allied Arts is not only recognizing talent but also encouraging confidence and resilience in these students.
‘“It’s okay if not everyone likes your work,” Tobar said. “There are some people who are going to be changed by it and others who won’t be affected. We want people to be more courageous and understand that the world needs to see their artwork.”
The incentives for participating students include a $250 scholarship for the first-place winner, sponsored by the Milledgeville Kiwanis Club. This winner will be announced during a Feb. 13 reception. The top winner will also be eligible for the Georgia District of Kiwanis Showcase 2026 Art & Music Showcase April 25 at the Douglas Theatre in Macon, where they will compete for a substantial scholarship award.
“The scholarship goes straight to the student’s college after they graduate high school,” Tobar said. “At the state level, they have another chance at winning an even bigger scholarship.” Beyond a financial prize, having the artwork displayed in a professional gallery alone provides students with invaluable exposure. With the Kiwanis Art Gallery set up in Allied Arts, these young artists are given a real-world experience where people all over Milledeville can come see their work. This helps them envision their future as artists and connects them to the community.
The event reflects the shared mission Allied Arts and Kiwanis Club have to uplift young artists and encourage them to grow in their passions. Allied Arts Program Coordinator Kristen Allen said she was excited to partner with The Kiwanis Club because they are an organization focused on service and leadership in communities, as well as empowering the younger generation.
“This is our first time hosting the showcase together,” Allen said. “We would love for this to become an annual event as long as the Kiwanis are willing to continue.”
Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend. The family-friendly exhibit will introduce people to local art and give them an opportunity to uplift others and leave inspired.
“We want visitors to see the students’ potential, their creativity, and the heart for community that both Kiwanis and Allied Arts have,” Tobar said. “Of course, we always hope that when someone experiences art, they’re inspired by it.”
The Milledgeville Kiwanis Club Art Showcase celebrates creativity and community at a place where people can support local artists who shape the future.