Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) is proud to present the 2026 Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana, celebrating outstanding creative achievement by students in grades 7–12. Held on AAC’s urban campus in historic Over-the-Rhine, the exhibition and awards honor the next generation of artists and writers through one of the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognitions for creative youth.
This year’s regional program includes 742 awards in visual arts and 988 awards in writing, recognizing students across dozens of middle and high schools throughout the tri-state region.
Opening Reception
February 6, 2026 | 5–8 pm
Art Academy of Cincinnati, 1212 Jackson Street, Cincinnati Ohio 45202
Educators, award recipients, and friends and family are invited to celebrate at the Opening Reception on Friday, February 6, from 5–8 pm. Students will receive their awards and scholastic key pins, and creative writing honorees can take the mic during an optional open-mic reading in the Lecture Hall from 6–8 pm. Guests are encouraged to explore the exhibition, strike a pose at the photo booth, experience a pop-up art show in SITE1212, and 2026 Faculty Exhibition in AAC galleries. Educators are also invited to explore the exclusive Teachers’ Lounge for networking, information, and opportunities for creatives.
Can’t make Friday’s Opening Reception—or want to experience the exhibition again? Join us the next day for AAC Open House & Scholastic Exhibition on Saturday, February 7, from 11 am–2 pm.
Community Supporters
The Art Academy of Cincinnati proudly acknowledges Summerfair Cincinnati, Gold Key Sponsor, as a leading supporter of regional student achievement—championing creativity and excellence among young artists and writers.
AAC also gratefully recognizes KeyBank as a valued supporter of regional arts education, helping expand access to creative opportunities for students across the tri-state community.
Participating Schools
Students recognized in the 2026 Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards represent the following schools:
Archbishop McNicholas High School, Athens High School, Ballyshannon Middle School, Beechwood High School, Cincinnati Country Day School, Cincinnati Hill Christian Academy, Covington Catholic High School, Covington Classical Academy, Covington Latin School, Dixie Heights High School, East Central High School, Elder High School, Fairfield High School, Finneytown Secondary School, Gray Middle School, Guardian Angels School, Hamilton High School, Highlands Middle School, Indian Hill High School, Indian Hill Middle School, Kings High School, Kings Junior High School, Lafayette High School, Lakota East High School, Lakota West High School, Laurel Oaks Career Development Campus, Live Oaks Career Development Campus, Lloyd Memorial High School, Loveland High School, Madeira High School, Madeira Middle School, Mariemont High School, Mariemont Junior High School, Mercy McAuley High School, Mount Notre Dame High School, Norwood High School, Notre Dame Academy, Oak Hills High School, Ohio Virtual Academy, Princeton High School, Reading Junior Senior High School, Roger Bacon High School, Ross High School, Sayre School, School for Creative and Performing Arts, Seton High School, Seven Hills Middle School, Seven Hills School, Seven Hills Upper School, Simon Kenton High School, Summit Country Day School, Sycamore High School, Taylor High School, Taylor Middle School, Turpin High School, Ursuline Academy, Valley High School, Villa Madonna High School, Walnut Hills High School, Western Hills University High School, William Mason High School, Wyoming High School
Award Categories
Visual Arts categories include Architecture & Industrial Design, Ceramics & Glass, Comic Art, Conceptual/Installation/Participatory Art, Digital Painting/Drawing/Collage, Drawing, Editorial Cartoon (sponsored by The Herb Block Foundation), Experimental Photography, Fashion, Film & Animation, Graphic Design, Illustration, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Portfolio (Art).
Writing categories include Critical Essay, Flash Fiction, Journalism, Novel, Personal Essay & Memoir, Poetry, Screenplays & Scripts, Short Story, Speculative Fiction, and Portfolio (Writing).
The Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards at the Art Academy of Cincinnati celebrate creativity, voice, and imagination—providing students with professional exhibition opportunities while honoring the educators and communities that support their growth.
