Center Space Gallery
February 20 – April 18, 2026
First Artistic Steps is the theme of the 42nd annual School Art Exhibition in celebration of Youth Art Month at the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, Mason City. The exhibition is now on display in the Museum’s Center Space Gallery. This year the spotlight shines on students in grades K-4, celebrating their creativity and wonder.
Art teachers from Central Rivers Area Education Agency, Clear Lake Regional Office were invited to enter their students’ artwork. Student artists whose artwork has been selected for the exhibition will be honored at a reception and recognition ceremony at the Museum on Saturday, March 28 at 11:00 a.m. Recognition certificates and awards will be passed out at 11:30 a.m. This reception will be hosted by Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary sorority for women in education. The event is free and open to all.
The purpose of Youth Art Month is to emphasize the value of art education for all students and to encourage support for quality school art programs. Demonstrated outcomes of art education are the development of critical thinking skills, self-esteem, appreciation of the work of others, self-expression and cooperative working skills.
First Artistic Steps will be on display through Saturday, April 18. The Charles H. MacNider Art Museum is free and open to the public.