A Canvas of Opportunity: Creating the Youth Art Mart

While brainstorming with her friends, St. Mary’s senior Baylus Schaffler ’26 had a bright idea: a Youth Art Mart where high school artists can share their work and learn about commerce in creative industries.

“The whole thing was kind of a whim,” recalled Baylus. “My friends and I were talking about having an art sale in someone’s yard, and I took the idea and sprinted away with it.” 

With the help of her classmate Caroline Chandler ’26 and their friend Sharon Perdomo, a senior at St. Agnes Academy, Baylus launched the project.

At its heart, the Youth Art Mart provides a platform for young artists to build experience for college and careers. By gathering to sell their artwork together, each individual benefits, gaining visibility and a professional network. 

This year, the Youth Art Mart grew. After a successful first-ever Youth Art Mart in 2024, Baylus and her team spent hours planning, budgeting, and setting up for this year’s event to be even better. The effort paid off, as countless people from across the city of Memphis came to support the artists in attendance, empowering young students to keep creating. 

“It was meaningful to me, especially this year, because I got to make something so big happen,” Baylus reflected. “I’ve had a lot of people tell me they’ve been positively affected by the experience, and their art has grown and changed as a result.” 

Photos by Allan Golden '26