2026 High School Self-Portrait Show
The 2026 High School Self-Portrait Show is open to the public during the Month of March at
Verge Center for the Arts, 625 S Street, Sacramento
Thursday – Saturday: 11am – 5pm, Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
High School Art Teachers from the greater Sacramento region assign their students a Self-Portrait project in any medium and then recommend two or three students from their class to submit for the show. The show, a community event, is displayed in a gallery for all to appreciate, and a panel of local artists, art educators, and the Chalk It Up executive board selects the award winners. Self-portraits are essential for high school artists’ development because they offer a unique opportunity for self-reflection and the exploration of artistic expression.
For 2026, a total of $6,000.00 in prizes and grants will be awarded to the winning students and their teachers/schools.
THANK YOU TO VERGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS for sponsoring this show by providing us with their beautiful gallery space.
About the High School Self-Portrait Show
While athletes have games, actors put on shows, and musicians have concerts, we’ve discovered that visual artists need more opportunities to showcase their work in a professional gallery setting. The High School Self-Portrait Show is a unique platform that allows high school artists to proudly display their art to their peers and the community and compete for prizes.
High School Art Teachers from the greater Sacramento region assign their students a Self-Portrait project in any medium and then recommend two or three students from their class to submit for the show. The show, a community event, is displayed in a gallery for all to appreciate, and a panel of local artists, art educators, and the Chalk It Up executive board selects the award winners. Self-portraits are essential for the development of high school artists because they offer a unique opportunity for self-reflection and the exploration of artistic expression.
Chalk It Up hosts a 2nd Saturday Reception and Awards Ceremony, a joyous occasion for students, teachers, families, and the community to celebrate the next generation of artists and the arts education community. Chalk It Up provides awards for Best in Show, Best in Medium, etc., inspiring hope for the future of the arts.
This show is possible because of the partnership of our local high school art teachers and the arts education community. They are helping to empower and support the next generation of artists.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to James Ferry (1933 – 2020) for initiating this tradition. Special appreciation to Findlay McIntosh of Christian Brothers High School, and Verge Center for the Arts for their collaboration with Chalk It Up, ensuring the continuity of this annual tradition. A BIG ‘Thank You’ to the Big Day of Giving Donors for their generous support, making this program possible!