Hundreds of young artists from 14 counties in Central New York showcased their talents in the 2026 Central New York Scholastic Art Awards. A total of over 5,000 pieces were submitted for evaluation, with 1,487 works recognized for their excellence. The awards, sponsored by M&T Bank and hosted by Onondaga Community College (OCC), highlight the creative achievements of students across the region.
Earlier this month, professional artists, educators, and photographers assessed individual works and eight-piece portfolios. As a result, numerous students received prestigious honors, including Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions. The award-winning entries will be on display at the Whitney Applied Technology Center at OCC, free to the public, until February 27, 2026. Select pieces will then move to the Everson Museum of Art from March 7 to April 5, 2026.
The awards ceremony, set for January 20, 2026, at the SRC Arena on OCC’s campus, will celebrate the achievements of these talented individuals. Following the exhibition, works that received Gold Keys will be submitted for national competition, adding further recognition to the young artists’ accomplishments.
The Scholastic Art Awards program, initiated by Scholastic, Inc. in 1923, is the largest annual student art competition in the United States. The Central New York region has sustained this program for over 80 years and has a proven track record, producing 24 national award winners last year alone.
This year’s awards included a variety of categories, showcasing a range of artistic mediums. Students competed in areas such as:
- Art Portfolio
- Ceramics & Glass
- Digital Painting, Drawing & Collage
- Experimental Photography
- Mixed Media
- Photography
- Architecture and Industrial Design
- Comic Art
- Fashion
- Sculpture
The awards did not just recognize individual talent; they also included special honors sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Notable awards and their recipients include:
“Best work in Architecture & Industrial Design” awarded to Kaitryn Pelnik-Wadsworth from New Hartford High School.
The Sage Scholars Educational Foundation recognized:
- Avery Evans for Best work in Printmaking
- Hari Yoganathan for Best work in Digital Art
- Emma Bailey for Best 2-D Junior High artwork
- Hadley Dellecese for Best 3-D Junior High artwork
The Light Work Award for Best Photography Portfolio went to Crystal Potekhin from Chittenango High School, while Bryce Keller from Tully Jr/Sr High School received the Onondaga Community College Award for Best Fine Arts Portfolio.
The Central New York Scholastic Art Awards not only foster creative expression among students but also provide them with opportunities to gain recognition in the wider art community. As the exhibition continues through February, the local community is invited to explore the impressive talent of these young artists.
