KINGMAN — The Kingman Center for the Arts is showcasing a uniquely collaborative exhibit now through the latter part of February. The show, titled “Little Inspirations,” pairs artwork created by local children with interpretive pieces crafted by professional artists.
This marks the second time the Center has hosted the event, which continues to grow in reach and participation. Gallery director Inessa Burnell said the concept is simple but powerful.
“Little Inspirations is a gallery exhibition where we invite students ages seven to 17 to submit their artwork to us, and then our professional artists choose one that inspires them,” Burnell explained. “The artists create something based off of that, and then we display the two together.”
This year’s edition extended beyond Kingman, reaching into some of Mohave County’s smallest rural schools. Art teachers at Mount Tipton School, Yucca Elementary, and Valentine Elementary helped coordinate student submissions and encouraged participation.
The result is a gallery filled with paired works—youth creations displayed side by side with the professional interpretations they inspired. Burnell emphasized that participation isn’t limited to the schools contacted.
“Students don’t need to be part of the schools that we reach out to,” she said. “They can contact us directly and say they want to be on the list for next year.”
One of this year’s contributors is 8‑year‑old Presley, a home‑schooled student who submitted a drawing of a tiger—an animal she chose simply because she loves them.
“I’ve loved them since I was a little girl,” Presley said. “I like cats and I like dogs, and I wanted to think of a zoo animal, so I thought of the tiger.”
Professional artist Janice Millane‑Wasmer selected Presley’s drawing for interpretation and said she was stunned by the young artist’s natural ability.
“She is amazing. Her detail is incredible,” Millane‑Wasmer said. “She blows me away for a child, eight years old, the detail that she shows.”
In total, 29 students submitted artwork this year, and 29 professional artists created companion pieces—an equal pairing that organizers say is especially rewarding. The exhibit highlights not only the creativity of local youth but also the mentorship and inspiration shared between generations of artists. Little Inspirations is open to the public through late February at the Kingman Center for the Arts on Beale Street in Old Town Kingman.
