Since 1987, the Young Artists’ Conference has provided a unique opportunity for students in the Kamloops-Thompson School District to share their artistic voices, engage in hands-on workshops, and connect with professional artists and educators. This beloved annual event celebrates creativity and offers elementary students meaningful opportunities to develop and showcase their talents. 

The 39th annual Young Artists’ Conference began on April 29, 2026, with the Gallery Grand Opening at the Kamloops Old Courthouse. 125 pieces of artwork, created by students in Grades 4 through 7 from schools across the district, were submitted for this year’s conference. These inspiring artists spent months developing their pieces, which were then adjudicated by the Young Artists Committee. 

On May 6, 2026, students continued their learning at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) by participating in a variety of workshops led by local artists and educators. Sessions included acrylic framing, calligraphy and West Coast graffiti, Chinese paper cutting, Japanese ink painting, photography, cyanotypes, printmaking, and zine making. These workshops offered students the chance to explore new techniques, materials, and creative processes. 

On June 22, 2026, the 2026 Young Artists Honours Award recipients shared their artwork and artistic statements with the Board of Education at the Regular Public Board Meeting. Students spoke about their creative processes and the lessons they learned, including perseverance, patience, and adapting when ideas didn’t go as planned. Their artwork—ranging from pencil drawings to paintings and sculptures—were inspired by their interests, families, friends, as well as their favourite animals and food. The student artwork presented at the Board meeting will be displayed at the School Board Office over the next year. 

At the Board meeting, Young Artists’ Chair Jayne Latta reflected on the impact of the Young Artists Conference, sharing, “This is an annual opportunity for elementary school students to showcase their artwork, to learn from professional community artists, and to be celebrated as young creators. For elementary students, having their artwork selected and celebrated at the district level can be a powerful confidence builder. It tells them that creativity matters and that art is an important part of their learning. For some students, this might be the very first time that they see themselves as someone with an artistic ability. The conference exposes students to new techniques, materials, ideas, and creative processes, that they may not experience in the classroom setting. It helps them understand why art is not just a finished product—it’s about experimenting, problem solving, taking risks, and expressing their ideas.” 

The Young Artists’ Conference reflects the Kamloops-Thompson School District’s commitment to developing students’ multiliteracies as part of the District Strategic Plan’s Intellectual Development Priority. By fostering creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking, the conference helps students explore their talents and imagine future pathways as artists and creators.