Young Artists’ Gallery Takeover 2026

Join us as Waterfall Arts celebrates its 10th season partnering with Belfast-area schools for the largest annual exhibition of youth art in Belfast!

In honor of Youth Art Month (YAM)—a national celebration established in 1961 to recognize and promote visual art education for grades PK–12—we are proud to stand alongside organizations like the Portland Museum of Art and Waterville Creates, as well as other exhibitions across Maine that uplift and celebrate our talented young artists.

This inspiring event would not be possible without the dedication and creativity of our area art teachers. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and are honored to celebrate the vital work they do to support and empower our youth.

The Young Artists’ Gallery Takeover showcases the extraordinary range of talent from Waldo County’s emerging artists—from pre-kindergarten through age 18—working in painting, photography, ceramics, and more. The exhibition will be on view at Waterfall Arts’ Clifford Gallery and the Belfast Free Library’s Kramer Gallery.

We warmly invite the entire community to attend the Opening Reception of YAGT on March 6th. Youth Program Manager Ellery Chalmers is excited to welcome Belfast’s young artist community, educators, families, and friends—so please stop by and say hello!

We want every student to feel seen, valued, and celebrated for their creative efforts. Supporting and honoring the humanity and voices of our youth has never felt more important, and this exhibition is a powerful reflection of that commitment.

“I’m so excited we’ll be continuing this wonderful showcasing of Youth Art in the Belfast area. This month is National Youth Art Month, and I feel it is especially important to honor and uplift youth voices at this time. As an educator and an artist myself, it’s my hope to not only continue the traditions and legacy of Waterfall Arts, but to build more space for learning and empowerment.”
— Ellery Chalmers, Youth Program Manager

Come celebrate creativity, community, and the next generation of artists with us!

The 2026 show will include work from the following participating schools:

  • Belfast Area High School, Grades 9-12
  • Belfast Area High School Marine Institute, Grades 9-12
  • Troy Howard Middle School, Grades 6-8
  • Captain. Albert Stevens School, Grades PK-5
  • Kermit Nickerson Elementary, Grades 3-5
  • Ames School, Grades 2-5
  • East Belfast Elementary, Grades PK-2
  • Gladys Weymouth, Grades PK-1
  • Kermit Nickerson Elementary (Gr 3-5)
  • Extended Learning Program RSU71 

Exhibition dates: March 6th – April 3rd
Opening Reception: March 6th, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

GALLERY DETAILS

Waterfall Arts
Exhibition dates: March 6th – April 3rd
Opening Reception: March 6th, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 am-5 pm Saturday 11 am-3 pm, or by appointment

Belfast Free Library
Exhibition dates: March 6th – April 1st
Gallery hours vary and can be found at belfastlibrary.org