Bluffton eighth-grade juried art show winners

Student artists from several Bluffton-area schools received awards during the 2026 Bluffton Eighth Grade Juried Art Show, organizers announced following an artists’ reception held at the Bluffton library.

Thirty student entries are currently on display at the library, with 10 awards presented during the exhibition. Organizers said prizes included cash awards and ribbons. Stephen Ball, owner of The Great Frame Up shop, also provided 50% discount coupons for winning entries.

Awards were divided between judges’ selections and a people’s choice category based on public voting.

Cole Castor of Hilton Head Christian Academy received first place in the SOBA judges awards competition. Angel Uong of Bluffton Middle School placed second, and Shannon Crowe of H.E. McCracken Middle School received third place honors.

Honorable mention awards were presented to Emma Heavener of Cross Schools, Maci Holmsten of River Ridge Academy, Mia Procida of River Ridge Academy and Walker Benson of H.E. McCracken Middle School.

The exhibition also included a people’s choice competition, with organizers reporting that 194 votes were cast.

Cole Castor received first place in the public voting category with 51 first-place votes. Angel Uong placed second, and Maci Holmsten of River Ridge Academy received third place.

Organizers said 30% of the entries in the exhibition received recognition through awards or honorable mentions.

The Bluffton Eighth Grade Juried Art Show features artwork created by students from schools across the Bluffton area and remains on display at the Bluffton library.