Save the Date:
Winners Will Be Announced September 16
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s K12 Art Competition and took the time to cast your votes.
Public voting has now closed, and the judging process is underway.
We look forward to announcing the winners of the 2026 K12 Art Competition on September 16. Winners will also be notified directly via email.
Be sure to check back soon to see the winning artwork and join us in celebrating these talented student artists.
See you back here on September 16!
Public voting is now officially closed.
Public voting will determine one People's Choice winner per grade level in each category — that's 26 total People's Choice winners!
Each People's Choice winner will receive a $50 prize and earn bragging rights as one of this year's fan favorites.
Visit the gallery below to see the amazing artwork entered in this year's competition!
Check back on September 16 for the winner reveal!
Categories to Enter
Participants entered their artwork across two categories. Top finalists will be required to share a short video to help judges better understand their creative process and inspiration.
Original artwork only. AI-generated content was not permitted.
Physical Art
Entries in this category could be either 2D or 3D creations using traditional materials.
Examples:
- Paintings: Watercolor, acrylic, oil, or gouache on canvas or paper.
- Drawings: Pencil, charcoal, ink, or pastel on paper.
- Sculptures: Clay, wood, metal, or found objects transformed into 3D works.
- Collages: Unique compositions made by assembling paper, fabric, and other materials.
Digital Art
Entries in this category come to life using digital tools and software.
Examples:
- Digital Paintings: Created with tools like Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, or Corel Painter.
- Illustrations: Vector or raster illustrations made with tools like Adobe Illustrator or Clip Studio Paint.
- Graphic Designs: Posters, logos, and other design projects created using design software.
Prizes You Can Win
Judges' Choice
A panel of Stride, Inc. judges will select one 1st- and 2nd-Place winner per grade for each category—that’s 52 Judges’ Choice winners!
First Place
$250
(Your choice of cash or Tango e-gift card)
Second Place
$100
(Your choice of cash or Tango e-gift card)
People's Choice
Become a fan favorite! Public voting will determine 1 winner per grade for each category—that’s 26 total People’s Choice winners!
$50
(Your choice of cash or Tango e-gift card)
Art Competition Judging Criteria
Here’s what the judges are looking for:
Physical Art
- Creativity and originality
- Technical skill and craftsmanship
- Composition and use of space
- Expression and emotional impact
Digital Art
- Creativity and originality
- Technical proficiency with digital tools
- Composition and visual impact
- Innovation and use of digital techniques
Important Dates
Feb. 25-June 1, 2026
Art submissions open
June 2-28, 2026
Rounds 1 & 2 judging period
June 2-July 2, 2026
Public voting period
July 1, 2026
Finalists for the Judges' Choice are notified
July 1-31, 2026
Round 3 judging period
Sept. 2026
Winners announced
Explore the 2025 Art Gallery
Get inspired by last year’s winning artwork and imagine what you could create.
Physical Art
Digital Art
Please take a moment to review the official rules and regulations. All participants agree to these terms upon submitting an entry.
Stay in the know.
