Young Artists Retreat

Nominate outstanding high school seniors and juniors to learn more about careers in the arts

overhead photo of three artists working with ink and brushes

Susan McSpadden, Johnson County Community College Photographer

The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art at Johnson County Community College will host a FREE Young Artists Retreat this fall, for high school seniors and juniors, with TWO date options available: Thursday, November 19 or Friday, November 20, 2026, with online options also available.

For the first time, we are expanding the program to encompass 2 date alternatives to meet demand. Students and teachers are welcome to nominate participants to attend either date (the program is the same each date), allowing twice as many students to attend.

The retreat will feature local artists and arts professionals speaking and providing hands-on learning opportunities about skills related to careers in the arts. Our keynote speaker this year is Phil "Sike Style" Shafer. Artist and educator Harold Smith will also provide a professional development opportunity for educators attending the retreat in person.

The program runs 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Central. For those attending in person, lunch will be provided. Limited space is available for in-person participation; students must be nominated to attend (self-nominations are allowed).

The program will be livestreamed on Nov. 19, with videos on demand available on Nov. 20, for those wishing to see the artists’ presentations but who are unable to attend in person. The livestream/videos are also available for teachers to show to a whole class if desired.

Schools can have multiple students nominated. Incomplete nominations will be given lower priority. Early submissions will be given higher priority.

The Nerman Museum will select and confirm participating students during the week of November 1, 2026.

  • Nomination Deadline for In-Person Attendance: Sunday, November 1, 2026
  • Livestream Link Registration Deadline: 24 hours before the program starts

Nominate a student or register for livestreaming link

Questions about this event? Reach out to the Nerman Museum at info@nermanmuseum.org.