JAWS YOUTH

2025 WINNERS

JAWS Youth is our art outreach program for students connecting them to the Jazz Art Writers South Festival by utilizing art and music. Students are provided instruction to paint a jazz themed artwork, then voted on by the public, and displayed during the festival. Awards for the artwork are presented during our Opening Ceremony. We are thankful to our partners Mobile Arts Council and AmpUpArts for their sponsorship of this program. The JAWS Youth Exhibit tours our local libraries after the festival concludes.

The artwork is reviewed by a jury for awards in multiple categories. This brings the community together to appreciate and support their local youth's artistic endeavors. Awards are presented in three categories: "Best in Show," "Best Jazz Themed Work," "Best Creative Expression," and three community contributor awards are also presented for the “Carmen B. Brown Honorary Viewers Choice Award”, “Catt Sirten Multimedia Award” and the “Robbie Runderson Technical Achievement Award.” JAWS Youth not only celebrates artistic excellence and the unique intersection of music and the visual arts.

Awards will be presented to the winners of the JAWS Youth art contest at the JAWS Festival Opening Ceremony on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 6:00 pm. The award ceremony is accompanied by two free concerts. Check out the schedule to learn more about this exciting evening of art, music and making long lasting memories. Grab your friends and family to join us for the festivities and enjoyment of this special day, as JAWS Fest has an array of kid-friendly activities planned. Strike a pose at the photo booth, challenge your friends to a friendly match of giant Jenga, and embrace the joy and inspiration of this artistic celebration! Learn more about this event using the button below.

LEARN MORE

BEST IN SHOW

Jalani Allen

Floretta P. Carson Visual & Performing Arts Academy

JAWS Youth 2023 Best in Show

BEST JAZZ THEMED WORK

LaLi LaPish

Barton Academy

BEST CREATIVE EXPRESSION

Landon Robinson

Barton Academy

Alma Bryant High School

Barton Academy

Chastang-Fournier K-8

Clark-Shaw Magnet School

Covenant Academy of Mobile

Dunbar Performing Arts School

Floretta P. Carson Visual & Performing Arts Academy

Indian Springs Elementary

Lavretta Art and Culture Center

Semmes Middle School

W.H. Council Traditional Elementary School

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

JAWS Youth 2022 Best in Show

All of the JAWS Youth artwork is on display in the Marx Library during the month of May. Stop by anytime between 8:00am-9:00pm for an opportunity to view the exhibition before choosing your favorites and casting your vote for them.

VIEW THE EXHIBITION

Use the button below to vote on the winners of the three JAWS Youth awards. The four categories are "Best in Show," "Best Jazz Themed Work," "Best Creative Expression," and the “Carmen B. Brown Honorary Viewers’ Choice.” There can only be one winner for each award, so make sure you have checked out all of the pieces and chosen the best candidate for each award.

2025 Winners