Chehalis Downtown Youth Art Walk

Connecting Community through Youth Art

Dandelion Creative Space and Experience Chehalis are delighted to announce an exciting new opportunity for our community and youth artists in Lewis County. From March 14-21, participating downtown Chehalis businesses will host youth art in the first annual Chehalis Youth Art Walk. This new event aims to enhance the cultural experiences in Chehalis by providing local high school artists a valuable opportunity to showcase their work and broaden the community’s range of art events.

The submission period is open now through February 23 to all Lewis County students, aged 14-18.  Artists of all abilities are encouraged to participate. Applicants will be notified of their selection status by March 4, 2026. Twenty selected artworks will be exhibited in participating local businesses from March 14 to 21. Artists will be chosen by a jury of local business owners, artists, and community partners.

Chosen artists will enjoy seeing their artwork at one of our participating businesses and the top five artworks will win cash prizes!  Cash prizes include:
  • 1st place: $100
  • 2nd place: $75
  • 3rd place: $50
  • Two Runners-Up/Honorable Mentions: $25
  • People’s Choice: $100
 
We welcome traditional and non-traditional media, including but not limited to painting, digital art, photography, printmaking, drawing, and hanging fiber pieces.  We are looking for a diverse range of perspectives, styles, and techniques and we encourage high-school aged artists of all backgrounds and media to apply.  Find an overview of the program and requirements including lessons for teachers here.
 
Artists will be allowed to submit one piece of their artwork. With their submission, they will need submit an artist statement, briefly explaining why they chose their project and what influenced their work. Artists can receive help in writing this by an adult.
 

To celebrate the creativity and contributions of all participating artists, an artist reception will be held on March 14 at 1:00 pm at Mint City Coffee Roasting. The community is invited to visit locations throughout downtown to view the artwork on display through March 21.

This event seeks to thoughtfully curate public art, invest in community connections with youth, and create engaging events and programming. For inquiries about the program, please contact Jennifer at info@dandelioncreativespace.org. Youth interested in participating can learn more and apply online below.

Apply Online

Participating Businesses

Thank you to the following downtown businesses that will be participating as artwalk locations!
 
  • Gifted Hallmark Boutique, 425 N Market Blvd.
  • Book n’ Brush, 518 N Market Blvd.
  • Big Foot Treasure, 548 N. Market Blvd.
  • Mint City Coffeehouse, 539 N. Market Blvd.
  • Shona’s Food Company, 570 N Market Blvd.
  • Stout Coffee House, 517 NW Pacific Ave.