Art Academy of Cincinnati Celebrates the Region’s Brightest Young Artists & Writers at the 2026 Scholastic Awards
CINCINNATI, OH — 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.
Learn more and RSVP at www.artacademy.edu/events
Exhibition Dates & Hours
The exhibition will be on view through Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Gallery hours: 9 am–5 pm daily
Individuals and small groups are welcome to visit during regular gallery hours. Please note that the AAC building will be closed on February 16 in observance of Presidents’ Day.
Student Field Trips
Educators interested in bringing students to view the exhibition may schedule guided visits during limited availability on February 9–13 and February 16–20. All time slots are first-come, first-served. Questions about field trips may be directed to admissions@artacademy.edu.
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.
ABOUT THE ART ACADEMY OF CINCINNATI
Art Academy of Cincinnati, established in 1869, is an independent college of art and design. Degrees granted are the Associate of Science in Graphic Design; the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Design, Illustration, Painting and Drawing, Photography, Print Media, Digital Arts Animation and Sculpture; and the Master of Arts in Art Education. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Art Academy is a charter member of both NASAD and the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design. The AAC is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education. The AAC’s mission is to create and sustain radical, forward thinking, contemporary visual artists and designers whose creative contributions make a substantial difference in all the lives they touch.
