Wake County Teen Art Exhibition
Now in its 16th year, the Wake County Teen Art Exhibition reflects FALC’s longstanding commitment to supporting and encouraging young artists and art education programs. Each year, art teachers from across Wake County select outstanding student work to be included in this professionally curated exhibition. Participation offers students a valuable opportunity to showcase their talents in a gallery setting—an achievement they can proudly include on resumes and college applications.
For nearly two decades, FALC has organized this exhibition to champion the arts at a time when science and technology often receive the majority of funding and scholarship attention. Approximately 50 schools participate annually, contributing more than 100 works that are exhibited, judged, and celebrated. Notably, about half of the award funds are directed back to school art programs, helping provide essential supplies and resources.
This year, a total of $20,000 in prizes will be awarded to student artists and their schools. Awards are funded by FALC, Cary Family Dental, Jerry’s Artarama, Cary Visual Arts, and scholarships from Meredith College.
FALC’s Wake County Teen Art Exhibition plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of artists while reinforcing the importance of the arts in education and community life. By recognizing young talent and supporting school programs, the exhibition helps ensure that creativity continues to thrive in Wake County.
2026 Exhibition and Reception
The 16th Annual Wake County Teen Art Exhibition, generously sponsored by Cary Family Dental, took place May 6–27, 2026, at the Frankie G. Weems Gallery on the campus of Meredith College.
A public reception and awards ceremony was held on May 10, 2026 at the gallery. The community was warmly invited to attend both the exhibition and the reception.
Donate and Support Young Artists
Art programs in many schools operate with very limited resources, often stretching just a few dollars per student each year. Despite these constraints, dedicated teachers continue to create meaningful creative experiences that inspire and engage their students. Access to the arts helps young people develop imagination, confidence, and the ability to think in new and innovative ways—skills that benefit every field and every community. Your support can help expand these opportunities, providing students with the materials and experiences that bring their ideas to life. If you’re able, please consider making a gift to support local school art programs and the next generation of artists.
2026 Wake County Teen Art Exhibition Winners
Student Awards
FALC 1st Place: Nika Zelickman, $750
FALC 2nd Place: Adalyn Huang, $500
FALC 3rd Place: Chenxi (Pearl) Lin, $200
FALC Honorable Mention: Ingrid Burgdorf, $50
FALC Honorable Mention: Leslie Guevara-Rasposo, $50
FALC Mention: Oliver Olesen, $50
Joyce McKee Founder's Award: Elliot Webster, $1,500
Brenda Brokke Founders Award and Best of Show: Else Madsen, $1,500
Meredith Scholarship: Ruth Zheng, $1,000
Meredith Scholarship: Amruta Mayadeo, $1,000
Meredith Scholarship: Sky Jones, $1,000
Rocky Alexander Founders Award (1): Maggie Zhao, $750
Rocky Alexander Founders Award (2): Ella Johnson, $750
Cary Visual Arts Terry Prichard Memorial Award: Seojin Lee, $500
Jerry's Artarama Conceptual Award: Molly Shartzer, $75
Jerry's Artarama Professional Award: Sela Sprague, $75
Jerry's Artarama Technical Award: Samantha Brock, $75
Jerry's Artarama Framer's Choice: Nika Zelickman, (Custom Framing)
School Awards
Visual Arts Departments of each of the following 10 schools: $660 each:
Enloe High School
Green Hope High School
Green Level High School
Heritage High School
Longleaf School of the Arts
Ravenscroft High School
Saint Mary's School
Sanderson High School
Wake Forest High School
Wakefield High School
Jerry's Artarama also kindly donated $5 coupons for each of the 130 participants and $25 gift certificates for each of the 30 teachers.
2025 Wake County Teen Art Exhibition Winners
The 2025 exhibition was made possible by generous private donations and public support from
the Town of Cary's Cary Art Daze Grant. Learn more about last year’s exhibition below and in the Midtown Magazine article.
FALC 1st Place: Angela Daniel of Millbrook High School
FALC 2nd Place: Joshua Ju of Cary Christian Academy
FALC 3rd Place: Kathleen Chapman of South Garner HS
FALC Honorable Mention: Riya Selvarathnam of Green Level HS
FALC Honorable Mention: Webb Foster of Trinity Academy
FALC Honorable Mention: Hannah Young of Trinity Academy
Joyce McKee Founders Award: Cora Young of Broughton High School
Rocky Alexander Founders Award: Brooke Browning of Heritage HS
Rocky Alexander Founders Award: Katherine Stansberry of Grace Christian
Terry Prichard Student Award: Seojin Lee of Green Level HS
Terry Prichard Student Award: Lily Hightower of Green Hope HS
Brenda Brokke Founders Award: Andy Jesse of Fusion Academy
Jerrys Creative Staff Award: Hannah Young of Trinity Academy
Jerry’s Managers Choice Award: Laurel Gordon and Alexandra Kwak
Jerry’s Technique Award: Kate Faucette
Meredith College Scholarship Award: Addie Zuk of Apex High School
Meredith College Scholarship Award: Sally Lin of Apex High School
Meredith College Scholarship Award: Lucy Rodriguez of Cary Christian Academy





































