Every April, Homer Council on the Arts showcases local youth and their participation in the arts. Currently on display in the HCOA gallery is an exhibit of visual arts and this Friday, youth take to the stage for an evening of performing arts.

This celebration of young artists is HCOA’s annual Jubilee! extravaganza that both highlights and nurtures Homer’s talented youth.

“HCOA’s mission is to make arts accessible for everyone in the community and to highlight the Homer arts scene,” said Jenna Gerrety, HCOA’s marketing manager. “The youth is the future of this art’s scene and encouraging them and keeping them involved in the artistic community enriches our social fabric.”

The Jubilee visual arts exhibit opened on First Friday, April 4, and showcases 170 artworks created by 130 artists ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, in kindergarten through grade 12 from Makerspace, Little Fireweed, Big Fireweed, Paul Banks, Homer Middle School, Homer High School and Voznesenka. On display are a variety of mediums, including paintings, drawings, collage, fiber arts, metalworks and mixed media sculptures.

“Having artwork displayed in a gallery is an excellent experience for youth of all ages who want to participate in the community and have pride in their work,” Gerrety said. “It’s also a great experience to be able to include on a scholarship application or a resume, whether students want to pursue an artistic career or not, as it shows passion, dedication and creativity.

“With the Jubilee gallery show, HCOA wants to celebrate the growth and achievements of the young artists in our community. By giving them a chance to display their work in a gallery setting, we hope to encourage their pursuit of art and creative activity.”

This year, HCOA received art from students who went through the recent Artists-in-Schools program at Voznesenka, where local artist Art Koeninger taught various metalworking techniques.

“School art programs like these, in addition to having regular arts education in schools, are valuable and enriching programs for students,” Gerrety said. “Art programs teach children and young adults fine motor control, problem solving, pattern recognition and creativity.”

HCOA reaches out to teachers, parents and other community members each February, seeking participation from school and homeschool students. According to Gerrety, the support of local teachers is a big part of bringing this exhibit to life.

“We are so grateful to all of the wonderful teachers who come up with fun projects and prompts to teach their students and submit student work to the show every year,” Gerrety said. “The exhibit would not be what it is without their efforts.”

At the same time that HCOA celebrates youth visual arts, they showcase youth talent in the performing arts. Their annual Jubilee Youth Performing Arts event takes place this Friday, April 18, on the Homer High School Mariner Theatre stage.

“This event provides an opportunity for youth passionate in drama, music and performance to perform in front of an audience,” Gerrety said. “It’s another way for us to invest in the youth of our community and showcase all the things they can do.”

Featured onstage this year will be 23 acts from 57 performers and youth ages 12 through 18 years old. They will conduct instrumental performances, ensembles, dance, piano, vocals, drumming and more.

Co-directors Jim Anderson and Britny Bradshaw view providing opportunities for youth to participate in the arts as not just a fun endeavor, but essential to the kids and to the community.

Anderson grew up in Homer and benefited from the many community and school events that provided performance opportunities.

“I’m excited for the community to see the results of all of the talented youth who are participating this year and am grateful to the many incredibly talented and supportive adults who work with and inspire them to develop their talents and pursue their dreams,” Anderson said.

Bradshaw shared that their goal is to inspire creativity in local youth as a means toward growing their self-confidence in the arts and other pursuits.

“Jubilee gives them a chance to experience the thrill of being onstage, feeling the spotlight on their faces and holding a microphone in their hands,” she said. “These moments help develop their skills, build self-assurance and continue to flourish. Our hope is to not only fill the seats at Jubilee, but to demonstrate the immense talent and potential our youth possess. By shining a light on their abilities, we aim to create even more opportunities for them to shine and grow.”

Proceeds from the performing arts show support the Ron Senungetuk Youth Fine Arts Scholarship Fund for young artists. Formerly known as the Summer Scholarship program, it was renamed to honor Senungetuk, who passed away in 2020, for his support of the arts, including starting the Native arts program at University of Alaska Fairbanks and being a role model for local youth.

Jubilee’s youth visual arts exhibit can be viewed at HCOA through the end of April. The performing arts event takes place Friday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at the Mariner Theatre. Tickets are $10 youth, $20 general and are available online at homerart.org, in person at HCOA from 1-5 p.m. and at the door.

Fiber crafts by Homer Middle School and West Homer Elementary School students are on display through April in Homer Council on the Arts’ annual Jubilee! youth art show in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting

A colorful variety of artworks by Homer’s youth are on display through April in Homer Council on the Arts’ annual Jubilee! youth art exhibit in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting

Youth artworks from McNeil Canyon Elementary students and Voznesenka School students participating in a recent Artists-in-Schools session with Homer artist Art Koeninger are on display through April in Homer Council on the Arts’ annual Jubilee! youth art exhibit, photographed on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting