The Real-Life Experience
annual exhibition spotlights local high school students in east baton rouge
Every April, Baton Rouge Gallery opens its doors for its annual REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE Juried High School Exhibition. The exhibition shines a light on approximately 70 works of original art produced by students from East Baton Rouge public and private high school students, giving you the chance to see tomorrow's local art leaders today!
The aim of the exhibition, made possible by the support of Cordell & Ava Haymon, is to share the talents of area students with our community while encouraging them to continue pursuing their artistic talents outside the classroom.
The exhibition also draws attention to the importance of arts education, celebrating both its positive effects on the youths of our community and the efforts of the educators that challenge their students on a daily basis.
Attendees at the opening reception for 2026’s REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE
The 2026 exhibition will be presented March 27 - April 26 and will be open to the public at no cost during normal gallery hours (Mon-Sun, 12 - 6 pm).
A First Wednesday Opening Reception was held on April 1, 6 pm - 9 pm.
Every year this exhibition features dozens of works, all selected through a blind jurying process intended to level the playing field for artists of all backgrounds.
2026 Real-Life Experience Winners
1st Place: Sophia Shu, Nostalgia (Baton Rouge Magnet High School)
2nd Place: Evan Selser, The Huntress (Zachary High School)
3rd Place: Carlynn Vessel, Torn (Zachary High School)
ARTISTS IN THE CLASSROOM
In 2015, BRG added something new to The REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE by bringing accomplished professional artists into the classroom to directly interact with students and provide insight into what life is truly like for visual artists. Classroom visits, which are offered at no cost (to students, instructors or schools), are available any time during the school year and offer high school students the opportunity to hear directly from artists about what inspired them to pursue their path, how they achieved their goals and what challenges they might encounter. This invaluable opportunity is something rarely offered to high school students and provides real, practical information for our area's youth who are interested the arts beyond the classroom.
Since 2018, more than a dozen artists have visited classrooms throughout East Baton Rouge Parish, having discussions with students, answering questions, and even leading in-class workshops. This opportunity was once again made available to all high schools in East Baton Rouge Parish in 2025 with more than a half-dozen artist visits coordinated.
