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Burgeoning artists from the Tri-Valley and beyond have their creative work on display in separate competitive exhibitions in downtown Pleasanton this spring.
The city’s Harrington Gallery in the Firehouse Arts Center is hosting “Fresh Works Jr.” for the next two months, while “PAL’s Pals 2026” – centered on the annual youth art contest organized by the Pleasanton Art League – is featured at the Museum on Main through the next two weekends.
“What stands out most about ‘Fresh Works Jr.’ is the fearless innovation on display,” Harrington Gallery curator Sydney Tang told the Pleasanton Weekly.
“Unbound by conventional concepts and rules, these young artists approach their mediums with an out-of-the-box curiosity,” Tang said. “Whether it is a non-traditional use of color or material, these works highlight a level of creative risk-taking that is singular to becoming an emerging visionary.”
Nearly 100 student artworks are included in the 2026 display, a range of subjects and media filling the gallery for the showing and available for purchase to take home afterward, according to the city.
“Visitors will experience a sense of discovery and boundless possibility through this group exhibition,” Tang said. “The diverse presentation serves as a laboratory of new ideas from 40 young artists across the Bay Area – all of which demonstrate clever, unexpected solutions that they have found to express their perspectives.”
“Fresh Works Jr.” opened last weekend and continues through May 23. A reception and awards ceremony is set for Saturday (March 28) from 1-3 p.m. at the Firehouse, 4444 Railroad Ave.
Art and architectural historian Soraya Renteria, who teaches at Las Positas College in Livermore and runs the community college’s art gallery, is the judge for the competition.
A block away across Main Street, the Museum on Main is also displaying standout pieces created by young Bay Area artists as part of the art league’s annual “PAL’s Pals” competitive exhibition – 48 students were selected this year.
“This inspiring exhibition features artwork from talented middle school and high school students across our community. Stop by to experience their creativity, imagination and fresh perspectives,” PAL officials said in a Facebook post.
The showing opened last Friday and runs through April 4 at the downtown museum, 603 Main St. California artist Andrew Duncan Johnstone served as the juror for the contest.
