Hundreds of young artists from fourteen counties in Central New York showcased their talent at the 2026 CNY Scholastic Art Awards. Over 5,000 pieces of artwork were submitted, highlighting the creativity and skill of local students. Sponsored by M&T Bank and hosted by Onondaga Community College (OCC), the awards recognized outstanding contributions in various artistic categories.
Earlier this month, a panel of professional artists, educators, and photographers evaluated the submissions. A total of 1,487 pieces received accolades, including Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions. In addition, several special awards and cash prizes were bestowed upon talented artists for exceptional works in specific categories.
Exhibition Details and Award Ceremony
The award-winning entries are currently on display at the Whitney Applied Technology Center at OCC, with the exhibition open to the public at no charge through February 27, 2026. Visitors can view the artwork from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, although the campus will be closed on January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Selected pieces will also be exhibited at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse from March 7 to April 5, 2026.
A special awards ceremony is scheduled for January 20, 2026, at the SRC Arena on OCC’s campus, where Gold Key recipients will be recognized. Following the ceremony, these works will be submitted for consideration in the national competition, which is part of the broader Scholastic Art Awards program.
Recognizing Exceptional Talent
The Scholastic Art Awards, established by Scholastic, Inc. in 1923, represent the largest annual student art competition in the United States. The Central New York region has participated in this program for over 80 years and, in 2025, produced 24 national award winners.
This year’s awards featured a variety of categories, including painting, drawing, photography, and digital art. Notable award winners included Brynn Akins from Union Springs High School, recognized for both Best Drawing and the American Visions Awards, which honors the “Best of Show” from all Gold Key artwork.
Additional standout artists included Crystal Potekhin from Chittenango High School, awarded for Best Photography Portfolio, and Hailey Ross from Liverpool High School, who received the Ron Hellmann Photography Award for Best Photo.
The awards program not only highlights the achievements of young artists but also fosters a sense of community and support for the arts in Central New York. The variety of awards and recognitions reflects the diverse talents of students across the region, encouraging them to pursue their artistic passions further.
For more information about the exhibition and to view collections of the Gold Key winners, visit the links provided by the CNY Scholastic Art Awards.
