Creativity-Unleashed-at-RVC-2026-Juried-High-School-Art-Exhibition.php

Creativity Unleashed at RVC 2026 Juried High School Art Exhibition

• Students
• 03/06/2026

Rock Valley College is thrilled to present its Annual Juried High School Art Exhibition, which opened on Wednesday, March 4, 2026!

This year’s show is filled with creativity, featuring artwork from high schools across the region. From ceramics and painting to photography, sculpture, jewelry, and more, each piece showcases the unique vision and talent of the next generation of artists.

For nearly 200 students, creating art isn’t just a form of expression, it’s a pathway to discovery, imagination, and future possibilities. Their work will be on display through April 5, 2026, in the Educational Resource Center, where visitors can explore the wide range of skills, styles, and ideas shaping today’s young artists. The exhibition kicked off with a lively reception and awards ceremony, honoring students with Best of Show, first through third place, Honorable Mention, and Juror’s Mention.

Here is a complete listing of the 2026 honorees:

Best of Show - Mily Sigala of Jefferson High School for Molding

• First Place - Reagan Persaud of Guilford High School for Peel it Back
• Second Place - Skylee Wiora of Harlem High School for Fade into You
• Third Place - Kate Erdman of Rockford Christian for Free Bag of Chips

Honorable Mention

• Dominic Colette of Harlem High School for First Presbyterian
• Evelin Avery of Jefferson High School for Window to the Unspoken
• Cayli Hanson of Harlem High School for Relic
• Makenzie Myles of Roosevelt CEC for Untitled
• Brooklyn Socha of Rockford Christian for I-HOP

Juror’s Mention

• Alexis Adams of Guilford High School for Perched with Ideations
• Kayliana Ayala of (High School Needed) for Scattered Love
• Sarah Bambozzi of Christian Life High School for Neverland
• Chloe Fountain of Guilford High School for Picture This
• Lucy Gargani of Rockford Christian for Mukbang Mama
• Caroline Hulsebus of Rockford Christian for Tea Time
• Romeo Leon of Boylan Catholic High School for Saint Jerome
• Estrella Medrano of Roosevelt CEC for Word Vomit
• Louis Raimbault of Auburn High School for Title
• Mali Salinas of Jefferson High School for Veiled Judgement

Congratulations to all the high school artists featured in the Annual Juried High School Art Exhibition. The show runs through April 2. It is free to view during Estelle M. Black Library hours: Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

"Creative expression displays freedom in the visual world of a postmodern society."

Raevenne S. Zackery, MFA, MA (Art History) RVC Juried High School Art Show Coordinator, Painting Professor & Art Instructor