2026 Young Children’s Annual Art Contest

Art gives children the opportunity to express their thoughts and ideas, fostering their imagination and independent thinking. This contest highlights the significance of art and creative expression in early childhood education.

This year’s theme is Kindness in My World, What Kindness Means to Me.

Who can participate?

Any Orange County, NC resident, aged 6 months—5 yrs

Can my child submit any piece of art?

Please use the following guidelines:

  • Two-dimensional media is accepted. *Due to display purposes, art cannot be three dimensional*
    • i.e. Crayon, chalk, paints, cut paper, collage
  • 8.5 inch by 11 inch pieces preferred. The piece can be vertical or horizontal.
  • Artist and contact information MUST BE on the back of each piece!
    • Artist’s name
    • Title of artwork (if possible)
    • Child’s Age
    • Parent/Guardian’s name, email, and phone number

Entries will not be accepted without this information.

How does my child participate?

Contestants may submit an original piece of two-dimensional art by March 20, 2026, by

  • dropping it off at the Chapel Hill or Orange County Libraries between February 11, 2026, and March 20, 2026
  • mailing it to Orange County Partnership for Children, 402 Millstone Drive Suite 300, Hillsborough, NC 28278 (note: we must receive it by March 20, 2026. Any submissions that arrive after this date, even if postmarked by March 20, 2026, will not be included)
  • calling OCPYC, (919) 967-9091, to arrange an in-person drop off at our office in Hillsborough

What do the finalists receive?

The ten finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony on May 3, 2026 (the location will be confirmed in January) to be recognized and receive a prize. All finalists’ art will be framed and displayed throughout the county during the coming year.

How will I know if my child is a finalist?

You will be notified via email/phone if your child’s art is selected.

Do you have ideas to help my child understand the theme?

Kindness is shown in many ways. It could be through sharing, helping, hugging, caring for others, or being kind to animals or the earth.

You can ask your child the following questions to spark their imaginations:

  • How do you show kindness?
  • Who is kind to you?
  • What does kindness make you feel like?
  • What does a kind moment look like?

What else do I need to know?

By submitting your child’s art, please understand that the art becomes the property of the Partnership. The art may be published on our website or in our reports. Up to 10 winners’ pieces will be selected and displayed throughout the county over the course of the year. You will be notified of each location once the schedule is confirmed. Entries must be submitted by March 20, 2026.

Please contact Lenore Labar at llabar@orangesmartstart.org or (984) 677-2232 with any questions.