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March is Youth Art Month on the Big Island, and a host of collaborators led by the East Hawaii Cultural Center are celebrating with juried Young at Art exhibitions and the first-ever YAS Fest celebration.

Young at Art festivities kick off on Saturday, showcasing artwork by Hawaii Island keiki at nine locations around the island.

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Exhibitions will be hosted at Mokupapapa Discovery Center, Hilo Public Library, Aupuni Center, the Thelma Parker Memorial Public Library, West Hawaii Civic Center, Kailua-Kona Public Library, Keaau Public Library and Pahala Public Library.

Starting on March 10, there will also be an exhibition at Mayor Kimo Alameda’s office.

This year’s Young at Art features 188 artworks from 14 Big Island public, private, charter and home schools.

For the first time since 2020, a live awards ceremony will be held, with 20 awards presented in three main categories (Juror’s Choice, Award of Recognition and Honorable Mention). This year’s jurors are photographer Tracey Niimi, artist and writer M.K. Carroll and Christina Ho, founder of Island Art Advisory and CMHO Fine Art.

In addition, the fifth annual Judith Hara Believe in Art Award, which honors YAA founder Judith Hara, will be presented.

Each year, a different noteworthy community member chooses a piece to receive the award. This year, the winner is being selected by Carla Kuo, executive officer of the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce.

The awards ceremony will be part of the inaugural YAS Fest, a celebration of Hawaii Island youth arts that brings together local organizations dedicated to providing arts opportunities for keiki and teens.

This free, family-friendly event is being held on Saturday, March 8, at Kalakaua Park. It features informational, merchandise, and activity booths from 20 community businesses and organizations, plus food and live performances.

Visit the EHCC website at ehcc.org/yasfest25 for a list of participating groups.

Young at Art 2025 and YAS Fest are made possible with support from Coldwell Banker Island Properties, Hawaii Community Foundation and Hawaii County Council, District 2.

For more information, visit EHCC online at ehcc.org, call 961-5711, or visit EHCC at 141 Kalakaua St.