OAR is excited to announce our 2026 Youth Art Contest, inviting autistic children and their siblings, classmates, and friends to share their creativity through art. The 2026 theme, Courage, encourages young artists to explore what it means to be themselves and express what courage looks like through their unique lens.
Our Youth Art Contest continues to attract artists from across the globe. In 2025, OAR received 111 submissions from young artists representing 20 U.S. states and four countries. A panel of 12 artists and autism advocates reviewed the entries, making it our largest and most geographically diverse group of judges to date. With generous support from Blick Art Materials, winners received gift cards totaling $350, along with recognition on OAR’s website, social media, and select promotional materials.
Submissions for the 2026 Youth Art Contest will be accepted beginning February 1 through February 28, with winners announced during Autism Acceptance Month in April. We look forward to celebrating the creativity, courage, and voices of young artists worldwide!
2025 “Dreams” Theme Winners
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