Call for Entries: February 17-27, 2026
Exhibit: March 6-April 2, 2026 at the Fredericksburg Branch
For over 25 years, CRRL has provided a forum for area teen artists in grades 9-12 to be recognized for their talent. The library is proud to have established this unique opportunity for local students.
The Johnny P. Johnson Teen Art Show is celebrating its 31st year. From February 17 to February 27, 2026, entries will be accepted from local teens in grades 9-12 at the Fredericksburg Branch's Youth Services Desk. Opening Reception will be Friday, March 6, 7:00-8:30 PM.
Cash prizes provided by Friends of the Library.
Entry Details
- Bring artwork to the Youth Services Desk at the Fredericksburg Branch between February 17-27.
- The submission form is available at the Youth Service Desk. You can also print the form out here.
- Entries may be submitted by students living in the City of Fredericksburg, the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, or Westmoreland, or by any other teen who holds a library card from Central Rappahannock Regional Library.
- All work must be original interpretations by the artist. No copies please. We cannot use pieces hung at the library in previous years.
- An entrant may submit no more than two pieces.
- All work will be accepted contingent on being reviewed by the installation committee. The library reserves the right to refuse any entry.
- While we make every effort to care for your art, the library is not responsible for the damage or loss of any work.
Framing Details
- All work must be framed OR painted canvas on stretcher strips OR mounted on foam core and shrink-wrapped (no plastic wrap please).
- Foam core with acetate or shrink-wrap is the least expensive option.
- We cannot accept three-dimensional, freestanding work.
- Minimum matted or framed size is 11” x 14”.
- No gallery clips, plastic frames, or picture frames with easel supports/stands.
How Work is Judged
Local artists will judge the Grades 11-12 category before the opening. Participants in Grades 11-12 will judge the Grades 9-10 category at the opening reception.
Loisann’s Hope House
We would like to give participants the option of sharing their talent to improve lives of needy families in our area by beautifying their homes with artwork.
Loisann’s Hope House provides a safe haven for homeless mothers and their children from the Central Rappahannock region who want to learn the life skills needed to become self-sufficient. While art show participants are certainly not required to donate their artwork to Loisann’s Hope House, we will make donating as simple as possible for those who would like to do so.
Simply leave your work at the library, and we will deliver the artwork to Loisann’s Hope House for you.
Johnny P. Johnson
Johnny P. Johnson was a significant artist, educator, and community leader in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He holds the distinction of being the first African American faculty member at the University of Mary Washington.
Born in North Carolina, Johnson studied art at Howard University and Virginia State College. In 1959, he moved to Fredericksburg to teach at Walker-Grant High School.
After retiring from teaching in 1991, he continued his prolific artistic career and remained actively involved in the community until he died in 2022 at the age of 86.
Watch his interview with the library here on YouTube.
