Calling all young artists—showcase your talent and win cash prizes!
The 2025 K12 Art Competition is almost here! All students in grades K–12 are invited to unleash their creativity and share their masterpieces! This year, you can explore even more ways to express yourself—whether it’s digital art, physical 2D and 3D creations, or photography.
Students will compete against others in their grade level across each category, with more than $15,000 in cash prizes up for grabs!
Registration opens on May 13, 2025.
Pick Your Palette
Physical Art
Create something with your hands using traditional materials. No need to mail your artwork—you’ll submit a clear photo of your piece and present it during a live Zoom call if you’re selected as a finalist.
Need inspiration?
- 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
Bring your vision to life using digital tools and software.
Need inspiration?
- 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.
Photography
Capture the world through your lens and tell a visual story.
Need inspiration?
- Smartphone Photography: Use your phone’s advanced camera to snap stunning images.
- DSLR Photography: Take control with a DSLR to capture professional-quality shots.
- Film Photography: Explore the timeless beauty of film and traditional photo development.
- Mirrorless Photography: Use cutting-edge technology to capture striking images.
- Point-and-Shoot Photography: Keep it simple while capturing life’s special moments.
Prizes You Can Win
Judge’s Choice
A panel of Stride, Inc. judges will select one 1st- and 2nd-place winner per grade for each category—that’s 78 winners total!
First Place
$250
(Your choice of cash or Amazon e-gift card)
Second Place
$100
(Your choice of cash or Amazon e-gift card)
People’s Choice
Become a fan favorite! Public voting will determine one winner per grade for each category—that’s 39 total People’s Choice winners!
$50
(Your choice of cash or Amazon e-gift card)
Judging Criteria
Finalists will present their artwork to a panel of judges during a live Zoom call. Here’s what they’re 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
Photography
- Creativity and originality
- Technical skills and use of photographic techniques
- Composition and framing
- Storytelling and emotional impact
Explore the 2024 Art Gallery
Check out artwork from last year’s winners and get ideas for your own masterpiece!
Physical Art
Digital Art
Photography
The deadline to enter is August 25, 2025.
Competition Schedule
May 13 - Aug 25
Art submissions open
Aug 26–Oct 3
Judging period
Aug 26-Sept 26
Public voting period
October 22
Winners announced
Please review the rules and regulations related to the K12 Art Competition. When registering, you must agree to these terms and conditions.
Stay in the know.
