Duke Ellington School of the Arts Hosts Underclassman Visual Arts Exhibit

Annual student gallery show highlights emerging young artists across multiple media

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:06pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print composed of a repeating grid of a single, iconic art supply object such as a paintbrush or sketchbook, rendered in a bold, neon color palette to capture the celebratory spirit of the student art exhibit.The Duke Ellington School of the Arts' annual student visual arts exhibit celebrates the creative energy and artistic potential of the next generation of young artists.Washington Today

The Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. is hosting the opening reception for its annual visual arts exhibit featuring dynamic original works by high school students in grades 9-11. The exhibit showcases a range of artistic mediums including painting, drawing, mixed media, and digital art, providing a platform for creative expression and real-world exposure for the next generation of young artists.

Why it matters

The Duke Ellington School of the Arts has a long history of nurturing young creative talent and shaping future leaders in the arts. This exhibit celebrates youth creativity, demonstrates the impact of arts education, and encourages artistic development and community engagement among the school's diverse student body.

The details

The visual arts exhibit will open on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM and will feature a live jazz performance by the Duke Ellington Jazz Ensemble. The exhibit highlights work across multiple media including painting, drawing, mixed media, and digital art, introducing the school's emerging young artists to the community.

  • The annual visual arts exhibit opens on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM.
  • The exhibit showcases work by Duke Ellington School of the Arts students in grades 9-11.

The players

Duke Ellington School of the Arts

An arts-focused high school in Washington, D.C. that was established in 1974 by African-American artists and activists Peggy Cooper-Cafritz and Mike Malone to teach the importance of art in society and the role of the artist in shaping human culture.

Duke Ellington Jazz Ensemble

The school's jazz performance group that will provide live music at the opening reception of the visual arts exhibit.

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What’s next

The visual arts exhibit will be open to the public through April 25, 2026, providing an opportunity for the community to view and appreciate the work of these emerging young artists.

The takeaway

The Duke Ellington School of the Arts' annual visual arts exhibit showcases the incredible creative talent and artistic potential of its diverse student body, highlighting the transformative power of arts education in shaping the next generation of cultural leaders and innovators.