On May 2, 2025, hundreds of young artists and performers will have the opportunity to experience the Mercer County Teen Arts Festival. This annual festival provides high school and middle school students from Mercer County’s public, private, parochial, and independent schools the opportunity for a day of full arts immersion at the West Windsor campus of Mercer County Community College.

“For many students across Mercer, the Teen Arts Festival is one of the highlights of the year,” said County Executive Dan Benson. “We’re excited to offer another opportunity for students to come together to learn, hone their talents, and grow as artists.”

This one-day celebration of the arts consists of master classes, workshops, and hands-on art-making activities. Through these sessions, teens have an opportunity to make new connections and network with peers, to learn new artistic skills, and to enhance skills they already have.

Many workshops are led by Mercer County Community College’s faculty members. Among the offerings are classes in media and visual art, dance, drama, vocal and instrumental music, film, and creative writing.

Critique sessions are also a key aspect of the day. Experts and teachers in each arts field offer students constructive feedback on their work and performances, suggestions for future exploration in their field, and even guidance for their future academic and career endeavors, offering an opportunity for the students to understand their work in a new light.

All art and performances presented for critique are further evaluated by adjudicators, and a select group of students are offered a special opportunity to present their work at the State Teen Arts Festival from June 3-5 at Middlesex College.

Questions about the Mercer County Teen Arts Festival may be directed to Tim Hoh at teenarts@mercercounty.org or (609) 532-2634.