Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The 35th annual Suffolk Sister Cities Young Authors and Artists Showcase is set to open Tuesday, Feb. 28 in the main gallery of the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts.

The showcase, which runs through March 22, opens with an awards ceremony from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb.28 and is open to the public.

Following the art opening, the exhibition is on view in the Suffolk Center’s Galleries from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Students from Suffolk Public Schools and Nansemond-Suffolk Academy have created 118 art entries and 81 authors entries. Artists compete in five categories: drawing, painting, photography, mixed media and digital art. Authors compete in essay and poetry categories. This year, a new category for music is included with three entries. All entries interpret this year’s theme of “Peace by Piece: Food Security in My Community.” 

Works are judged by experts in the related field. Winners in each category receive a $50 cash award.  

Additionally, a best in show for art and for authors is identified, with each receiving a $100 cash award. Winners are eligible to participate in the Sister Cities International Competition where they compete with entries from around the world and United States. There is a $1,000 cash prize for winners of the international competition.   

Suffolk Sister Cities has had several International winners over the years, including last year’s Best in Show artist Rory Rockwood who earned a $1,000 award for her digital art submission. 

The Young Artists and Authors Competition is one of several youth programs sponsored by Suffolk Sister Cities International. In past years, the organization has sponsored student exchanges and attendance at the Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit. In 2022, students from Kings Fork High School’s International Baccalaureate Program created a Sister Cities Club. Members learn about world cultures and volunteer in the local community. They have created global friendships through various projects, including digital pen pal and environmental projects.
To learn more about Suffolk Sister Cities International and its programs please contact Commissioner Maryanne Persons at 757-539-7188 or visit www.suffolksistercitiesinternational.org. Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts is located at 110 W. Finney Ave, in Historic downtown Suffolk, VA 23434.