2026 Student Art Contest
By Sarah Walters – Special to SUNonline/Orillia
Sustainable Orillia is excited to announce the launch of its 6th annual Student Art Contest, which is open to all elementary and secondary school-aged youth across the Orillia area. This year, students are invited to explore the theme Celebrating Success Stories and use their artistic talents to highlight examples, local or global, where science and technology have fostered a cleaner, healthier environment.
The contest runs from March 1 to May 29, 2026 and encourages young artists to focus on solutions and progress, inspiring climate hope and showcasing the positive effect of innovation and collaboration. Research and classroom experience indicate that action oriented stories not only motivate, but also help reduce climate anxiety among youth, empowering them to envision and contribute to a brighter future.
For the first time, winning entries will be professionally displayed in a special Fall/Winter 2026 exhibition at the Orillia Museum of Art and History. Older students will have the unique opportunity to support the curation of the exhibit, working alongside OMAH staff through mentorship that fosters learning and engagement in the arts community.
Prizes include $200 for Secondary 1st place, $100 for 2nd place, and $50 for all other selected entries. Elementary winners will receive $50 each. All art media are welcome, provided artworks can be picked up and transported by Sustainable Orillia volunteers. Submissions will be collected from participating schools after noon on May 29 with home-school entries accepted at the Orillia Public Library or Manticore Books.
Sustainable Orillia is very grateful to the sponsors of the contest: Creative Nomad Studios, Jack and Maddy’s, Manticore Books, Scott’s Garden Centre, and Parklane Landscapes.
Selection will be made by a committee of Sustainable Orillia directors, local organization leaders, and education professionals, based on artistic merit and written explanation of the highlighted success story. Contest details, entry forms, and scoring rubrics are available online.
(Images Supplied) Main: Artwork submission from 2024 by Mariam Barrie a Grade 9 student at Orillia Secondary School.
