THE ARTS BUILD CONFIDENCE
The Orange County Arts Council hosted its annual “Arts Build Confidence” student arts showcase on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Middletown Galleria Mall at Crystal Run from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Visual arts were displayed throughout the day and the event concluded with a People’s Choice Award Ceremony at 2:30 pm. Admission was free.
The event gathered 47 schools across Orange County, more than 500 pieces of artwork displayed, and the more than 5,000 visitors engaging with the students’ art.
High schools from across Orange County displayed their students' artwork on panels set up in the mall’s center atrium. These works included oils, watercolors, mixed media, digital art, photography, and short literary pieces. Visitors to the show were invited to participate in free “People’s Choice” voting to select a favorite work. The pieces receiving the top three votes were recognized for this achievement at the People’s Choice Awards Ceremony.
Student artwork from Orange County elementary and middle schools (Grades K–8) was displayed in a digital slideshow throughout the day. Large screen video monitors presented the works near the staircase in the center court, adjacent to the high school pieces.
ARTS BUILD CONFIDENCE SHOWCASE
For over a decade, local schools from across the county have come together to showcase the talented K-12 grade students living in our area. The event features an exhibition of teacher- selected visual art, live sneak-peek performances of high school musicals, and more.
