Columbia Public Schools’ Partners in Education (PIE) program is continuing to open doors for student artists — this time through a growing collaboration with the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs that takes creativity from the classroom into the city.
At an April 3 celebration at Jefferson STEAM Middle School, the impact of that partnership was on full display. During the brief event, CPS and the OCA honored eighth-grader Stella Sexton, winner of the 2026 Art Windows Virtual Gallery contest. Unbeknownst to her, Sexton was awarded a certificate of artistic recognition from the city of Columbia and CPS, in addition to a framed copy of her artwork, which will be the cover of the 2026 PIE virtual gallery. Her artwork was chosen from several hundred submissions across CPS’s elementary and secondary schools.
Attending the celebration, OCA program specialist Kristin Gadsden had another surprise announcement for the school.
“In addition to that, the city offers a $500 honorarium to the school that the selected student represents,” said Gadsden. “So we are here today to present that check to the school and to art teacher Shayla Howell.”
The honorarium is meant not only to show appreciation for the art department that has encouraged student creativity, but also to support classroom supply needs and help fuel future artistry.
This recognition of students and staff is part of a larger initiative held each year during PIE Week. During this event, student artwork is judged and displayed throughout downtown Columbia and in local businesses. For many students, this is their first opportunity to showcase their work in a public, professional setting — an experience that builds confidence and strengthens their connection to the community.
This year, My Secret Garden collaborated with Locust Street Expressive Arts Elementary on a butterfly-themed installation, while Hickman High School students had their work featured in the City Hall gallery. The city’s traffic box art initiative further extends that visibility by beautifying everyday infrastructure with colorful, student-designed artwork.
In recent years, the program has expanded to reach even more students.
“About five years ago, we pivoted,” said Molly Delgado, CPS community relations manager and PIE program leader. “Now, many more budding student artists have the opportunity to showcase their artwork from across the district — even if their school doesn’t have an official downtown business partner — through our virtual Art Windows Gallery. It’s amazing to see so much talent. We are incredibly grateful for this PIE partnership project between the OCA and CPS Fine Arts Department for making this happen for our kids.”
By blending in-person displays with digital access, the PIE program continues to expand its reach, ensuring that student creativity is encouraged, seen, recognized, and celebrated.
