Southampton Arts Centre hosted the annual ‘Feast for the Eyes’ exhibit and awards presentation on April 19th (2026) in the Gallery.
The Juried Youth Art Exhibit lives up to its name as a ‘Feast’ that celebrates the creativity and talent of young emerging artists across Bruce and Grey counties.
“Feast for the Eyes is not only a celebration of artistic expression and technique, but also a platform for new voices, offering insight into the evolving perspectives shaping the next generation of artists.”
“Each year, Southampton Arts partners with Saugeen District Senior School to showcase emerging talent by inviting art students to design the cover of our Art School catalogue,” explains Darlene McConnachie, Centre Manager. “This year, we received 15 outstanding submissions. Following a People’s Choice vote on social media, the community selected the 2026 catalogue cover created by Kohana Tiwari, whose artwork beautifully reflects the creativity and passion of the next generation of artists.”
Tiwari created the piece in tribute to her aunt, a stained glass artist who encourages Tiwari to pursue her creativity through art.
“In another collaborative project, students submitted line drawings of their artwork before completing their project,” said McConnachie. “One of these submissions was featured as the artwork for our 2026 Children’s Colouring Contest, with Mykenzie Wolfe chosen as the winning submission.”
“I was inspired by fabric art and quilting,” says Mykenzie. “I used contrasting colours to make the art school stand out from the pattern fabrics in the background and I used dots to shade in the brick design.”
Several young artists received sponsored awards that included Best in Painting, Visionary, Storyteller, People’s Choice, Mentorship and Best in Show.
Award winners present – Photos submitted
For larger view, click on image – by Saugeen Times
The popular People’s Choice Award was ‘Day Before Better’ by Serena Trelford-Ladd that was sponsored by the Shoreline Artists group.
The Visionary Award was presented to artist Zoe Shave, “…whose work represents aforward-thinking perspective … with originality, innovation and an artistic voice that feels ahead of its time.”
Southampton Arts also facilitated an in-school program for Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS) Grade 8 students with the focus of ‘What do you love about your community?’. From Chantry Island Lighthouse to beach scenes, forests and fireworks, the art pieces convey the students’ emotional ties to their community through art. The pieces, currently in the gallery, will soon be on public display inside the Saugeen Shores Police Services entrance in Port Elgin.
