Duke Ellington School's Underclassman Visual Arts Exhibit Opens

Annual student gallery showcases dynamic works across multiple media

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:35pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a grid of brightly colored paintbrushes, conceptually representing the diverse artistic mediums and expressions of the student artists.The annual visual arts exhibit at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts showcases the boundless creativity and artistic talent of its students.Washington Today

The Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC is hosting the opening reception for its annual visual arts exhibit featuring original works by high school students in grades 9-11. The exhibit highlights emerging young artists and provides a platform for creative expression across painting, drawing, mixed media, and digital art. The opening will also include a live jazz performance by the Duke Ellington Jazz Ensemble.

Why it matters

The exhibit celebrates youth creativity and provides young artists with real-world exposure, encouraging artistic development and community engagement. It also demonstrates the impact of arts education in shaping future creative leaders.

The details

The Duke Ellington School of the Arts was established in 1974 by African-American artists and activists Peggy Cooper-Cafritz and Mike Malone. The Visual Arts Department curriculum introduces students to elements and principles of art and design to prepare them for post-secondary training in the arts. Students are exposed to traditional and contemporary styles and techniques from diverse cultures to broaden their horizons and become good citizens of the art world.

  • The annual visual arts exhibit opening reception will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM.

The players

Duke Ellington School of the Arts

An arts-focused high school in Washington, DC that was established in 1974 by African-American artists and activists Peggy Cooper-Cafritz and Mike Malone. The school's Visual Arts Department teaches students elements and principles of art and design to prepare them for post-secondary arts education.

Peggy Cooper-Cafritz

An African-American artist and activist who co-founded the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in 1974.

Mike Malone

An African-American artist and activist who co-founded the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in 1974.

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The takeaway

The Duke Ellington School of the Arts' annual visual arts exhibit showcases the creative talents of its high school students, demonstrating the value of arts education in cultivating the next generation of artistic leaders and engaged citizens.