Town of Wallkill, NY- Orange County Arts Council will host its annual “Arts Build Confidence” student arts showcase at Galleria at Crystal Run this Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Visual arts will be displayed throughout the day and a sampling of high school performing arts will take place in Center Court (near JCPenney) from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The event will conclude with a People’s Choice Award Ceremony beginning at 2:30pm. Admission is free.
Last year’s event gathered over 30 schools across Orange County and saw more than 5,500 visitors engaging with the students’ art.
High schools from across Orange County will display their students’ artwork on panels set up in the mall’s center atrium. These works include oils, watercolors, mixed media, digital art, photography, and short literary works. Visitors to the show will be invited to participate in a free “People’s Choice” voting to select a favorite work. Those pieces receiving the top three votes will be recognized for this achievement at the People’s Choice Awards Ceremony.
Student artwork from Orange County elementary and middle schools (Grades K-8) will be on display in a digital slideshow throughout the day. Large screen video monitors will present the works near the staircase in the center court, adjacent to the high school pieces.
“Arts Build Confidence is a powerful reminder of how deeply creativity supports student growth,” says Brandi McLendon, Director of Programming and Operations at the Orange County NY Arts.
“We are thrilled to once again partner with the Orange County Arts Council and our talented local elementary and high school students,” said Darrin Houseman, General Manager at Galleria at Crystal Run. “This event has become a cherished tradition at our center, and we look forward to welcoming the community as they experience the incredible musicals and artwork created by these gifted young artists.”
###