Young Artists Shine at Tryon Fine Arts Center Showcase

Annual juried competition celebrates local high school students' artistic talents

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Tryon Fine Arts Center in North Carolina recently held its 13th annual Showcase of Excellence, a juried fine arts competition featuring breathtaking works by local high school students in painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, and photography/digital media. The event celebrated the extraordinary talent of these young artists, who experienced their first taste of a professional gallery setting.

Why it matters

The Showcase of Excellence has become a hallmark event for the Tryon Fine Arts Center, highlighting the importance of arts education and nurturing the creative spirit of the next generation of artists. The competition not only recognizes students' achievements but also underscores the crucial role of educators in fostering their talent.

The details

The juried competition featured works across various mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, and photography/digital media. The Best in Show award went to Luca Gayossa, a student from Boiling Springs High School, for his piece 'EDC'. Other category winners included students from Spartanburg Christian Academy, Dorman High School, Chapman High School, East Henderson High, and Greer High School.

  • The Showcase of Excellence was held on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • The event marked the 13th year of the juried fine arts competition.

The players

Tryon Fine Arts Center

A local arts organization that hosts the annual Showcase of Excellence to celebrate the talent of young artists in the region.

Luca Gayossa

A student from Boiling Springs High School who won the Best in Show award for his piece 'EDC'.

Amanda Keith

A teacher at Boiling Springs High School, who expressed pride in her students' achievements and the confidence-boosting impact of the competition.

Marianne Carruth

The Executive Director of the Tryon Fine Arts Center, who emphasized the importance of arts education and thanked everyone involved in the event.

Briana Bateman

The juror for the Showcase of Excellence, who recognized the students' dedication and talent.

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What they’re saying

“I was very surprised. It's a weird feeling because I see my work, and I know that it's good, but I never imagined it being the best of the best.”

— Luca Gayossa (tryondailybulletin.com)

“If you win something at this show, you know your kids are really talented. It gives them more confidence. I can tell them all day long that their art is wonderful, but to hear it from another working artist really means something.”

— Amanda Keith, Teacher, Boiling Springs High School (tryondailybulletin.com)

“Being recognized is very encouraging, and I look forward to seeing what I can do with my photography in the future.”

— Allison Powers (tryondailybulletin.com)

“It was great for me to enter student art. Everybody was so kind and helpful. To see their artwork displayed—that's a big deal. It's a huge moment when you're creating art, to see other people enjoy it.”

— Laura Fry, Art Teacher, Polk County High School (tryondailybulletin.com)

“Thank you to our sponsors and supporters, our juror, our artists, teachers, administrators, and parents for their contributions to this event.”

— Marianne Carruth, Executive Director, Tryon Fine Arts Center (tryondailybulletin.com)

What’s next

The Tryon Fine Arts Center plans to continue hosting the Showcase of Excellence annually, providing a platform for local high school students to showcase their artistic talents and gain recognition for their achievements.

The takeaway

The Showcase of Excellence highlights the importance of arts education and the impact it can have on nurturing the creative spirit of young artists. The event not only celebrates the students' talents but also underscores the crucial role of educators in fostering their growth and development as artists.