Welcome to our annual spotlight on artists under the age of 31. This is the 23rd edition of the list, and each year we’re awed by the enormous talent we’ve discovered. This year’s class of artists includes teenagers, recent college graduates, and those who are taking their first steps toward a professional art career. The 15 young women and six young men are scattered across eight western states and have a wide range of backgrounds and artistic styles—but they’re all dedicated, driven, and determined to succeed.

Benjamin S. Anderson, Carmel Valley Sunset, oil, 40 x 30.
Katelyn Betsill Del Vecchio, Out to Pasture, oil, 20 x 20.
Ava (Xiaosy) Chen, Flame Bowerbird, oil, 9 x 12.
Jenna H. Conlin, Afternoon Scroll, oil, 24 x 24.
Summer Doss, Chasing Shadows, oil, 20 x 24.
Emily Ann Dutkiewicz, Seconds II, acrylic, 36 x 36.
Kayley Jane Dykman, Adornment, oil, 16 x 12.
Melissa Ferguson, Exit 10 Onto Green Springs Drive, oil, 20 x 16.
Samuel Hoskins, Rosehip Coffee, oil, 14 x 20.
Liz Hovley, Stare Down, acrylic, 20 x 24.
Emma Kalff, The Boogieman Is Real, oil, 12 x 12. 
Melanie La May, Most Forms of Irresponsibility That Seem to Make Power Necessary Are in Fact the Effects of Power Itself (Gas Station), oil, 20 x 16.
Anna-Sophia Lagos, Patient Friend, oil, 11 x 14.
Connor Liljestrom, Thousand Series #95, oil/oil pastel, 30 x 23.
Taylor Manoles, Sparks Lake Sunrise, oil, 30 x 24.
Grant Perry, Desperado, oil, 10 x 12.
Rebecca Shuttleworth, Baby Steps, pastel, 40 x 36.
Xandra Squier, Cliffside, Dana Point, oil, 5 x 7.
Tamsen Taves, Festiva Maxima, oil, 18 x 24.
Jordan K. Walker, Smith Rock Revealed, oil, 16 x 20.
Eli Walters, Still Life With Two Oranges, oil, 12 x 16.

This story appeared in the August/September 2022 issue of Southwest Art magazine.