Published November 12, 2025
2026 WNY High School Student Art Exhibition
UB's Department of Art will once again be hosting an exhibition of Western New York High School student artworks, in early 2026. We look forward to seeing the creativity and skills of local students!
Who is Eligible
- All fine art and design; 2D, 3D, and digital media, will be accepted.
- Open to all students grades 9-12
- Teachers complete nominations and currier work-- must instruct at a high school within Western New York.
- Limit for each school of 5 works per teacher.
Deadline: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Teacher-Nominating Submission Form
Art, design, and technology teachers may nominate their own students' work, and are responsible for delivering and retrieving those works from the UB Department of Art Lower Gallery, in room B45 of the Center for the Arts, on UB North Campus.
The following artwork information form must be completed digitally, in addition to the artwork tag (see below) to be attached physically to delivered works.
(Only Teachers submit; One form per teacher, includes up to 5 works they are nominating)
All teacher-submitted works accepted
In years past, we have typically accepted all nominated works. The teachers are jurying within their pool of students, but the UB Department of Art is not selecting works, other than the special honors that we will grant to some at the 1/29 Reception and Awards Ceremony.
Artwork Entry Tag
Please fill out the PDF below and attach the corresponding information securely to each artwork for drop-off. It is extremely important that all the information is complete, legible and firmly attached to the works.
Thank you!
Preparing Work for Drop-off
- Print and fill out the Artwork Entry Tag and securely attach to each of the corresponding works. All works must have the top side clearly marked.
- Frames are highly encouraged for 2D works. Works submitted on a backing board must be securely attached (we have found double stick tapes and tape in general does not often hold up over the life of the show).
- All works that are wall mounted should have stable hardware for hanging or margins so the work may be displayed with exhibition pins or magnets.
- All free standing 3D work should be able to stand on its' own whether on a pedestal or the floor.
- Unique methods of display are welcome, however please provide written instructions, photos, or diagrams on how it is to be displayed attached to the piece.
- Video work may be submitted on a USB-A thumb drive. We have TV screens and projectors that we will use to display.
Exhibition
- Monday, January 26th, to Friday, February 20th, 2026
- Lower Gallery, Center for the Arts Room B45
Reception
- Thursday, January 29th, 2026, 5-8PM
- Student Awards in the Atrium at 6:30PM. The Director of Undergraduate Studies will select a top 3 works for a cash prize.
- All are welcome!
- Refreshments will be served!
- Simultaneous to the reception of the Teachers exhibtion in the Project Space
Lower Gallery Visiting Hours
- See the Department's Lower Gallery main page here.
Work Drop-off & Pick-up
WORK DROP-OFF:
Due by Saturday, January 10, 2026.
Can happen immediately, at 202 Center for the Arts, Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM; or by appointment at the B45 Lower Gallery, to be arranged with Whitney (write to whitneyk@buffalo.edu).
The 202 office will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. If the office is closed unexpectedly when you arrive to drop-off work, call or text Whitney whose phone number will be posted on the door.
After hours collection dates to be announced.
WORK PICK-UP
Dates for late February to be announced.
NOTES
Requests for alternative times may be made to the Art Resource Manager by phone or email. We will try out best to accomodate.
The Department of Art is not reponsible for works left onsite after the last scheduled pick-up day. Teachers must pickup the work in a scheduled window, unless alternatives have been confirmed by the Art Resource Manager.
Visitors must abide by UB's Visitor Parking Guidelines.
- Recommended: coin-operated parking meters, close to the Center for the Arts:
- Alumni A Lot — near Center for the Arts, Slee Concert Hall, Alumni Arena
- Baird B Lot — near Center for the Arts, Slee Concert Hall, Alumni Arena
- Coventry Loop — near Center for the Arts, Slee Concert Hall, Alumni Arena.