Professional and youth jurors selected photographs from submissions from teens ages 13-19 across the world. In the past, submissions have come from Singapore, Italy, Islamic Republic of Iran, and the United States. Opening with a public reception, this exciting youth exhibition remains on display at the Trolley Barn Gallery and is accompanied by a virtual gallery tour for those unable to attend. Photography Exhibition opening will be on May 5, 2023.

This exhibition is about deconstructing synthetic joy and highlighting true happiness. Beyond the black mirror of instagram-worthy moments and snapchat filters, is our real life – our real smile. We are interested in the moments that never made it to social media. This exhibition seeks to decipher sacred and treasured art from images where people are hiding behind their “happiness”. Social media is often a sparkly, pink fog; a false reality of love, adventure and interest. Help us understand the intentions behind the real and imagined highs of life. 

We are not only accepting photographic images, but any visual representation of joy; based in fantasy or reality. “The Highs of Life” encourages artists to submit art in an array of media, including digital, film, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, video, and installation art. For our juried exhibitions, the Trolley Barn Gallery brings together an international roster of vital voices in art and culture, presenting thought-provoking artwork and ideas in a renovated industrial space that is the hub for the area’s thriving arts scene.“The Highs of Life” Exhibition takes place during the Hudson Valley’s Upstate Art Weekend – a connective annual event for locals and tourists alike, celebrating the cultural vibrancy of Upstate New York. With 145 participants and thousands of visitors in 2022, the Trolley Barn Gallery is excited to be one of many fascinating organizations, galleries and creative projects to join the experience in 2023.

This exhibition is about deconstructing synthetic joy and highlighting true happiness. Beyond the black mirror of instagram-worthy moments and snapchat filters, is our real life – our real smile. We are interested in the moments that never made it to social media. This exhibition seeks to decipher sacred and treasured art from images where people are hiding behind their “happiness”. Social media is often a sparkly, pink fog; a false reality of love, adventure and interest. Help us understand the intentions behind the real and imagined highs of life. 

We are not only accepting photographic images, but any visual representation of joy; based in fantasy or reality. “The Highs of Life” encourages artists to submit art in an array of media, including digital, film, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, video, and installation art. For our juried exhibitions, the Trolley Barn Gallery brings together an international roster of vital voices in art and culture, presenting thought-provoking artwork and ideas in a renovated industrial space that is the hub for the area’s thriving arts scene.“The Highs of Life” Exhibition takes place during the Hudson Valley’s Upstate Art Weekend – a connective annual event for locals and tourists alike, celebrating the cultural vibrancy of Upstate New York. With 145 participants and thousands of visitors in 2022, the Trolley Barn Gallery is excited to be one of many fascinating organizations, galleries and creative projects to join the experience in 2023.