Williams, Patel and Kessler capture top honors at 2026 New Beginning Youth Art Exhibition

Cady Kessler: It was very nerve wracking.

Announcer: And in first place, Tybee Island Maritime Academy. Cady Kessler.

Cady Kessler:  I didn't think I'd get first, but my heart was pumping for sure.

Ken Slats: Kessler edged out Garrianna Bennett from STEM Academy at Bartlett and Godley Station's Janelle Fields in the middle school category.

Cady Kessler: My inspiration was instead of doing analogous colors like you see and a lot of other ones. I did a more thermal look. It shows me that other people are seeing what I'm seeing. My art in the way that I do want them to appreciate it.

Roger Moss: I love this because this is where we not only see our students, we hear them. Art does that. Art is one of the most powerful ways to communicate.

Tempa Nyswaner: Every piece in the space has a story behind it. Some might make you smile. Some makes you think. And others will certainly surprise you. But all of them show the power of art and why it matters to our schools and our community.

Cady Kessler: My original thoughts on my career path as an artist was design in a way, either graphic design, interior design because I enjoy architecture.

Announcer: For this year's 2026 Best in Show of the New Beginning Youth Art exhibition, Savannah Arts Academy, Jynx Williams.

Ken Slats: Williams' teacher at SAA, Tessa Parker, accepted the award on behalf of her junior artist. On the high school level, Savannah Arts also swept the top two spots, Shweta Patel and Riley Richardson edging out Aiyanna Shabazz-Butler from Islands High School.

Tempa Nyswaner: What you'll see does represent not only strong technical skills, but also imagination, personal expression and the unique voices of our students.

Van R. Johnson, II: It is right here. Everybody, no matter how big or small, have had their first day, their first event. And the greatest part about it is that here in Savannah, we will have the opportunity to see it first.

Ken Slats: Congrats to all 11 schools, 122 artists, 82 finalists and of course all eight placers, including the students with the best group project from Charles Ellis Montessori Academ.  For SCCPSS, I'm Ken Slats.