Art began as a way to communicate and to make sense of the world — and for kids, it often tells the story before the words arrive.

For young children, art often acts as a vessel for storytelling before kids have the vocabulary to articulate their experiences, fears, and hopes. As children age, art works in tandem with words — sometimes mimicking real things, other times filling in the blanks where reality and fantasy blur. For teenagers, art can be a language to make sense of growing up, a blooming vocation, or a lifeline.

Youth is marked by inquisitiveness, and art seeks to answer the abstract and literal questions that swarm through a young mind. In that spirit of expansiveness, expect a vast range of mediums and subjects — our youth artists aren't asked to conform to overarching themes or materials.

The Youth Exhibit spotlights and empowers emerging local artists, giving them the chance not only to present but to sell their work if they choose. It's an accessible, inclusive launching pad for teenagers and children to proudly display their creativity.

In the Middle & High School exhibit, you'll witness technical skill and emotional depth that truly rivals professional galleries. For our youngest artists, the K–5 gallery is a sanctuary of pure imagination — a family space made for reflection and play. Grab a coloring page, find a seat, and relax, surrounded by the exuberant, joyful artwork of our Lake Oswego elementary students.

This year the youth tent celebrates art, nature, fun, and stories.

Set up right in George Rogers Park, the Youth Activities Tent is the heart of free, drop-in family fun all weekend long — drawing, coloring, bubbles, temporary tattoos, storytime, painting, botanical prints, and more. No sign-up needed: just show up and dive in!

Open 9 am–5 pm, Friday–Sunday.