FIRST LIGHT
Celebrating Student Artists of Southampton

First Light: Celebrating Student Artists of Southampton marks the inaugural student artist exhibition presented through a new arts education partnership between Southampton Arts Center and the Southampton School District. This exhibition celebrates the creativity, curiosity, and artistic voices of students across the district while honoring the educators who inspire and guide them. The exhibition is rooted in the goals of access and exposure, inspiration and engagement, and visibility for young artists at every stage.

Featuring work from students in grades K–12, the exhibition showcases a wide range of artistic mediums including photography, painting, ceramics, collage, 3D design, multimedia, poetry, culture-based work, and more. In addition to student artwork, select art teachers who are also practicing artists will exhibit their own work, highlighting the vital role educators play as creative role models.

Throughout the run of the exhibition, visitors are invited to engage with interactive elements designed to make art participation accessible and hands-on. These include creative art activities that allow visitors to contribute work that becomes part of the exhibition itself, encouraging community involvement and making the gallery a dynamic, evolving space for expression.