The 2026 Oswego County Emerging Artist was selected by a committee represented by members of Riverside Artisans, Art Association of Oswego, and a member of the community.
Katie St. Laurent, a wildlife photographer residing in Oswego, was chosen from a strong group of applicants in June 2026. Katie has been taking full advantage of the comprehensive support offered by the program, including the financial support and the coaching by two artist mentors.
Katie recently completed the first of two exhibition opportunities available to her this year. The exhibit opened on October 10 and runs through November 8 at the Art Association of Oswego. The title of her exhibit is “Naturally Curious”, and was very well received by those attending the opening. Katie’s term is for one year and will conclude in June 2027.
At left: Katie with mentor Peter Mahan
Call for emerging artists!
The new Oswego County Emerging Artist Program will begin in May of 2026 with a call
for emerging artists to apply. The entrants must be a minimum of 18 years old and
reside in Oswego County. There is no charge to apply.
This newly designed annual program is made possible by a grant from the Shineman
Foundation and is jointly sponsored by Riverside Artisans and the Art Association of
Oswego.
The goals of this program are to select and support early-career creatives to build a
body of work, to grow in their artistic journey, and to expand their public presence
through several exhibition opportunities and social media. The selected artist will
receive financial support, exhibition space provided by the Art Association and Riverside
Artisans, networking, resources, and mentorship.
The program will open for applications on May 15, 2026.
Applications must be complete and submitted by May 31, 2026 (11:59 pm).
Learn more about the program and the application process below. Do not miss your
chance to elevate your art and be part of Oswego County’s growing creative future!
