SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Savannah’s young artists had the spotlight on them tonight at the 24th Annual New Beginning Youth Art Exhibition.

One hundred and forty middle and high school students from Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools showcased some of their best artwork at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center.

The competition was created to celebrate creativity and talent and was judged by local professional artists.

Organizers said the event was about more than just paintings and drawings. 

“Oh, the arts. It is an expression of an individual,” President of the Savannah Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, Denis Cooper said, “and so we cannot take that for granted. The children are able to express themselves in ways they never even imagined. We give them the theme for the Black Heritage Festival, and they take it and just absolutely just run with it.”