The Links, Inc., Savannah Chatham County Public Schools, and the City of Savannah presented the 20^th Annual New Beginnings Youth Art Exhibition. The exhibition features Savannah Chatham County middle-and high-school students' artworks, created based on the theme “Visual Art in a Virtual World."   A virtual reception for the exhibit was held February 23 and several speakers congratulated the team of teachers, sponsors, and artists who made the event possible.  Among the virtual attendees were Van Johnson, Mayor of Savannah; Dr. Ann Levett, Superintendent of SCCPSS; Dr. Joe Buck, president of the Board of Public Education for Savannah Chatham County Public Schools and members of The Links, sponsors and other supporters. 

“It's a great honor to chair this competition in conjunction with Black History Month," said Carol Bell of The Links, Inc.   “And the level of the entries this year was nothing short of spectacular!  We are impressed with the talent of the students and thank them for sharing their work with us." 

Rosemary Dodson,  Program Coordinator for Visual Arts for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, managed the competition and created the virtual exhibit to showcase art from our middle and high school students.  "This was a unique year," said Mrs. Dodson, "and we had to come up with a way to share all the work in a virtual environment.  The exhibit is interactive and engaging...you can literally walk through the gallery.  Take a guided tour or go off on your on!"  

The competition awards first, second and third place in both high school and middle school divisions, as well as a Best in Show.  Over 125 entries are on display.  The winners of the competition for 2020 are:

Best of Show Winner - Avery Sullivan, Savannah Arts Academy

High School Winners

1^st place:  Mojdah Asimi – Savannah Arts Academy

2nd Place:  Amy Oh, Savannah Arts Academy

3rd Place: Giselle Berrien – Johnson High School

Middle School Winners

1st place:  Elizaveta Kalacheva – Garrison

2nd Place: Brock Betters – West Chatham Middle School

3rd place:  Tijuana Heyward – West Chatham Middle School

Superintendent Dr. Ann Levett congratulated the young artists.  "We are proud of the talented students who participated in this exhibit!  Congratulations to everyone who had a part in putting this together."  

Take a guided tour of the exhibition here https://bit.ly/3aRswQg.