Na’Kejia Anderson described the art on display at the 2026 VBCPS Student Art Show as “beautiful.”

“I’m so happy they have an outlet to show off their work,” she said.

Anderson’s daughter Na’Riyah Minor’s pastel painting of a house is one of more than 1,000 works of art featured at the Joint-Use Library on the Virginia Beach campus of Tidewater Community College.

A reception for the student artists and their families was held May 19.

“I love art,” said Na’Riyah. The Lynnhaven Elementary second grader said she was happy to learn her artwork was chosen for the show by her art teacher.

All 85 city public schools participated.

VBCPS Fine Arts Coordinator Amber Hester said the event is a special tradition that has taken place for more than four decades.

“It’s always been about student recognition and the opportunity for them to shine,” she said.

Art teachers from each school selected student art created during the school year to be featured on one or two large display boards.

Many attended the art reception in support of their students.

Renaissance Academy middle school art teacher Nancy Habit said the event provides the opportunity for students to express their identities through art.

“Art is so personal,” she said.

Habit said many of her students have never showcased their creativity in an art show. The opportunity boosts self-confidence, she said.

Kailin Kane agreed. The Thoroughgood Elementary art teacher said the confidence gained “helps them make the connection between their art and the public.”  They learn from seeing how others perceive their expressions through art, she said.

College Park Elementary art teacher Katherine LeMay said it’s wonderful for students to have the opportunity to show off their artwork outside of the school environment. “I’m always inspired when I come to this show,” she said.

Emilia Stratton pointed to her painting titled “Marigold Still Life.” “This is my second year,” the Pembroke Meadows Elementary fourth grader said, proudly.

Her mother Jessica Stratton smiled. “I’m so impressed with this show,” she said. “There is a fun variety of things to see.”

First, second, third place and four honorable mentions were awarded for kindergarten through second grade and grades three to five, middle and high school. Winners received a certificate and a goody bag including art supplies and more. First-place awardees were given a $10 Coastal Edge gift card.

The Student Art Show runs through June 1 at the Joint-Use Library on the TCC campus, 1700 College Crescent, Virginia Beach

To view winning entries, visit

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1yXrpcfqrX5KgNG3UQ4z9tPB-L302bbGrjWXAlj_BMgU/edit?usp=sharing