From April 11 through May 11, 2025, South Shore Arts proudly hosted the 51st Annual Tri-County Junior/Senior High School Art Exhibition, a beloved tradition that continues to highlight the incredible artistic talent of students across Northwest Indiana and south suburban Illinois.
This year’s exhibition was a vibrant showcase of over 800 student artists from 30 schools in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties in Indiana, as well as south suburban Cook County in Illinois. Featuring artwork from students in grades 6 through 12, the show brought together a diversity of mediums, styles, and ideas.
The Tri-County exhibition is more than just a gallery display; it is a celebration of the power of the arts to shape young minds. South Shore Arts honors not only the students whose work was selected, but also the educators who guide and inspire them. These teachers foster in their students an appreciation for the beauty, creativity, and diversity of thought that fuel innovation and enrich our culture.
For more than 80 years, South Shore Arts has worked to transform lives along the South Shore through the arts. Our programming is built on a foundation of inclusivity and access—ranging from robust arts education for artists of all ages to world-class exhibitions featuring regional, national, and international talent.
This year’s Tri-County exhibition was part of our broader commitment to youth and community arts engagement, which includes:
The Everykid Program, an arts and literacy initiative that reaches thousands of elementary students annually—right in their classrooms—at no cost to schools.
Outreach partnerships with schools, municipalities, park programs, and social service agencies to bring arts experiences directly into our communities.
Our role as Region 1 Arts Partner for the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC), through which we support the region’s arts ecosystem with grants, information dissemination, technical assistance, and advocacy.
The exhibition culminated in the awarding of over $14,000 in prizes and scholarships. This year’s $2,000 Berwanger Award was presented to Javiyah Israel from Homewood-Flossmoor High School, whose work stood out among the hundreds of impressive entries. To view the full list of award recipients and participants, please see the official exhibition catalog.
South Shore Arts is deeply grateful for the support of the individuals, corporations, and foundations that make this work possible. From program underwriting and grant funding to membership and our Annual Beaux Arts Ball, this support allows us to continue investing in the creative potential of our region.
We were excited to celebrate the work of these incredible young artists and to continue championing the arts as a vital force for community, education, and transformation.