When your kid makes a piece of art, they’re also building confidence, processing feelings, and creating connections. That’s what we’re celebrating with the Outschool Visual Arts Showcase—and your kid could win up to $1,000 USD* in prize value, a one-year Outschool Membership and a billboard in Times Square!






My name is Sophia, my art piece is a collage made with construction paper, scissors and glue. It is a picture of my cat Camella Belly sleeping on my bed, with a big Venus fly trap plant and the full moon in the window. Today is the full moon, and Camella Belly was taking a nap on my bed. She looked so cute! This picture makes me feel happy.


I take drawing classes on Outschool and I like to draw every day. I really like drawing characters and working on shading. In this drawing, I tried to make the face expressive and added details like the eyes, hair, and hand. I was inspired by characters I like and added my own details. It feels calm and a little mysterious, like she is thinking something but not saying it.


Hello! My name is Gabby, and this piece is inspired off my two favorite cookies, Pure Vanilla Cookie and Shadow Milk Cookie, in the popular game: Cookie Run Kingdom! I love the dynamic between these two characters, and the lore between them gives me goosebumps every time! Even if you are unfamiliar with the game, I do hope you at least enjoy the fanart! (Fun Fact!: This piece was drawn traditionally, and colored digitally!)


I enjoy creating art that tells a story through color, nature, and imagination. This piece was inspired by a dream of a magical world full of birds, where the rainbow seemed endless and the moon glowed like the sun. A great crane soaring peacefully through the sky made me think of freedom, hope, and beauty. It reminds me to believe in myself, think big, and imagine endless possibilities.

I am in high school and have been learning about lots of amazing artists and painting with Ms. Jenn Augustin for about three years. I am influenced by so many artists and really like to express myself in my art. This is called "Sunset" and I tried to emulate the bold, bright colors I sometimes see, and taking it further. I like making brush strokes that have movement and flex, and I like to blend colors to create something more.


This mural is inspired by the last seven years I've spent worldschooling with my family across 50 countries. In biodiversity hotspots like Brazil, Costa Rica, and Thailand, I was surrounded by multitudes of vibrant birds and colorful flowers. Traveling filled me with awe, joy, and a deep sense of wonder, so I painted this huge 9' x 12' wall mural. I hope its size and scale invites people who walk by to pause, feel that same wonder, and cherish the beauty of our wonderful world.

This piece inspires me to go hiking and climbing big boulders and mountains while observing wildlife. I am super energetic with lots of enthusiasm, and I like to do rolls while dodging all of the trees and playing tag with my younger brother as we go on our weekly hikes.


I am homeschooler who loves art and dogs. I started drawing with how to draw books, then added some Outschool art classes to refine my skills. I love drawing pictures of animals but my current focus is dogs. My favorite parts to focus on are the eyes and the snouts. If I can get the eyes right, it gives the portrait the complete personality and really brings life to the dogs on paper.

I made this art piece for a homework assignment. It is inspired by the painting "Surprised!" by Rousseau. I love dragons, and so I remade my own version to include them. This art piece, "The Roar of Thunder" changes the focus from the main ground to the background, revealing two dragons. It shows that there is more than one way to make beautiful art.

Hi, I'm Ezra. I drew this because my teacher (go check her out on Outschool- her name is Mary Eckes) prompted me of the upcoming 4th of July which is the 250th birthday of the US. I thought I would do something new so we brainstormed a plan. think you should vote?


Hi, I am Cindyll, and I am 15. For the last year, I have been studying and drawing faces. I found myself especially drawn to eyes. To me, the eye is an amazing creation of beauty and intricacy: the vibrant colors, the way the light reflects on the iris, and the way that they can express emotion that words can’t. I wanted to capture that in my art. In my piece, there is a window reflected in the eye. The eye is truly the window to the soul. You just have to take the time to look.

I came up with this piece on my own. I saw him in my head and I knew how I wanted Kai to look. I created him for an online role playing class. I drew him with one of his antlers broken because when I first introduced Kai he had run into a wall out of confusion. I call this piece “Liquid Prayers” because words cannot always relay how you feel, and sometimes you just got to let the tears fall and let people see that you feel. When I look at kai in this piece I feel like giving him a big hug.

I’m a weaver and garment maker who pushes each project to teach me something new. I wove the striped, polka dot, and solid fabrics on an 8-shaft loom using the yarn shown, then constructed these boots from scratch on a last. This was my first time making boots. The project involved shaping with heat and stiffeners, setting grommets, securing heels, and adding leather trim. I love polka dots for both their look and structural challenge. This piece reflects my process: learning by doing.

Art can be so different and have so many meanings, but this piece inspires me because it shows that even the smallest, quiet things have strength and resilience. It reminds me that I am strong even when I’m quiet. By facing obstacles with heart and hard work, I’ll find my way through the overwhelming moments. Above all, it shows I can grow with quiet strength and steady hope, as long as I keep trying and have the confidence to do so.

This art piece was inspired by one of my favorite stuffed animals, Peanut Butter. My family went to a cow farm where we got to feed adorable highland cows. My favorite cow looked just like the stuffed animal I picked out and named Peanut Butter. I also love sparkles and bright colors. My art has lots of color and sparkle, just like me!

I made this piece because I feel it represents the balance between humanity and nature. My inspiration was a photo of a girl and a heron posed like this, though I decided to further detail it and add my own flair and deeper meaning. This drawing makes me feel very happy and at peace.

When You stand in an art museum you get Immersed in cultures, feelings, and different time periods. When l look at an art piece l get to feel something from the artist perspective. I think it’s amazing to see peoples dreams, get brought to life on a canvas. That’s my Favorite part of the art museum. I love drawing. The moment when my pencil touches the paper I have the freedom to create whatever I want and to truly express myself.


My name is Addison and I love pigs because they are pink and cute. I especially like piglets because they are small and you can hold them. I also love when they oink! I drew these pigs to show how happy and friendly they are. This picture makes me feel happy and drawing them made me smile, and I hope it makes other people smile too.


I love dinosaurs and I want to learn how to paint all the dinosaurs in the world! The stegosaurus is my mom's favorite dino and pink is my sister's favorite color!

I am the one, the only; ARAN!!! (Ahem, sorry) As seasons have passed, I've become more entranced every year by the beauty of fall all around the world. I found that trees in their autumnal state are so naturally well captured in art, so that is what I did. To be specific, this is a portrayal of a path through the Green Mountains National Park. I've destroyed 3 brushes, missed some homework, and have a sore back, so as long as your life may go on happily ever after, I say this: VOTE FOR ME!!!!!!!

This artwork was inspired by my love of bright colors, which reminds of my personality, and, birds! I enjoy creating digital art because it allows me to experiment with blending colors and trying new techniques. I used what I learned from practicing digital painting to create a cheerful bird with a colorful, imaginative background. Art makes me happy because I can turn ideas in my mind into something beautiful to share with others.

Hi, my name is Jemma and I have been passionate art since a very young age. I feel specifically drawn to realism because it helps me express the exact emotions of a moment when I draw. I feel inspired by seeing famous places and imagining how much my art might grow, and how one day people might recognize my art and it could become great. Seeing places like NYC makes me think about how many other unknown artists out there dreaming of becoming known for their art.

Drawing can capture every element, emotion, and feeling that cannot be expressed by words. This piece was inspired by space, which I find both mysterious and exciting. This painting gives me the excitement of exploring new worlds, and I like to think about what exists beyond Earth. It makes me ecstatic and hopeful, and the dreams that begin in our imagination can truly become our future. Do you ever wonder about what exists apart from what our very own eyes can see?

My artwork, Carmel Pups by the Sea, was inspired by the puppies I saw on Carmel Beach during Spring Break two years ago. I wanted to capture how cute and playful they looked together, and this painting makes me feel calm and relaxed because it reminds me of a special day by the ocean.

I’ve moved a lot throughout my life, and along the journey I have been inspired by the people around me. I was born in St.Louis, then moved to Connecticut, then to Shanghai, back to St.Louis, and I’m currently in Chicago. I made a ton of friends but also said goodbye to many of them. My painting depicts two people promising to stay in touch and how much their friendship means. My friends inspire me as a person and I could’t ask for better friends.


My name is Roan and I like the Legend of Zelda. I was inspired by a guardian stalker. It makes me feel happy and like my hard work is good. It also makes me feel like I did a really good job.



The picture is called Evening. It makes me feel calm and quiet. I like how the sky looks soft at the end of the day. I like drawing because it makes me happy. I also like playing with my sister.

Hi, I'm Artemis, and I enjoy making art! I'm a bit of what some people would call a "weird kid", and I'm actually proud of that, because I'm "weird" because I make dragon puppets! I also animate and make short comics. The inspiration for this piece was the crunching that the leaves made when I walked, and the beauty of nature. I'm really proud of this piece, because it's the first time I've used this artstyle with still life. It's like the art is telling me to go on a walk in the forest!

I enjoy painting because it allows my creativity and imagination to come alive on canvas. This drawing captures a white-tailed deer who is wandering in woods without any fear and hesitation. I get inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding us including plants, animals and surreal nature. This reminds us that boundaries and rules are for humans, we should be free to wander, explore and choose our path to success.

Hi! My name is Wesson, and I am just 8 years old! I love cats, and my cat Bowser is why I sketched this cartoon drawing of him with a mouse toy. He is a big fluff-ball, and it is fun to watch him play. I feel happy and loved by my cat, and I wanted to share him with you.

I was inspired by survival in the wild. In my painting, a girl and her cat are camping in the wilderness. There are many different trees and plants around them, and many shades of green that make the forest look full of life. In the middle of the picture, there is a warm campfire lighting up the girl. She is fishing by the river with her cat beside her. You can see their reflections in the water. Far away in the wilderness, there is a rainbow that you can faintly see in the sky.

I have always been fascinated by dinosaurs and could never wrap my mind around the fact that these creatures were Earth's first inhabitants. Although they are gone now, their presence is something recognized by all, even 65 million years later. As such, my picture shows a T-rex, the epitome of the dinosaurs. It captures the bold and fierce nature this creature once had, roaming through the jungle with an intimidating aura. This drawing reminds me to always be confident, no matter the challenge.

My name is Amaya, and I LOVE doing art. This piece I have drawn was very fun. It makes me feel happy and proud. If I get the money I’ll split it with my brother and best friends. This piece was made by cutting out daffodils on paper and pasting it on the drawing made with pencil and marker. And to get the cloth effect I put a placemat under the paper and rubbed it with crayon. To get this opportunity to compete in this contest was amazing. Thank you,-Amaya.


My name is Emma! This piece is of my OC Saito. He loves to read and is the nerd of the group. I decided to draw him because I relate to him and I love to read:)

My drawing is called Winter Day. Drawing this made me feel peaceful. I imagined the crisp cold air, the softness of the snow, and the joy that comes with a winter day. I wanted to show how winter looks, and how it feels. It looks so beautiful. Even though I live in a place where a lot of snow is rare, I thought of my past memories of playing in the snow with my sister and what a perfect snowy day would look like.

What inspires me to make this is The animal grooming truck I saw outside my house. my favorite part was the puppies. The smaller parts represent that they are far away the and the bigger ones represent. They are closer in the picture. my other favorite part was the rainbow with the crown, unicorn horn and puppy ears.


This piece invites the viewer to imagine the beauty of coming home after a long day at sea. The warm colours of the sunset and the reflection on the water show the feeling of a job well done. I found it challenging to create the small details, especially the people and the boat. I loved painting this. I hope that when people look at this artwork, they feel at peace and that they are loved.

I really love to paint sunsets so when I heard about this contest I knew I had to make a huge one! This painting shows a flock of birds flying south over a forest at sunset. When I look at this painting I can't help but wonder, are the birds flying towards something or are they flying away?


I'm Ella-Gayle. I love to read, and I especially enjoy drawing. I have been drawing my whole life. I do digital art as well. My favorite Outschool classes are 'Draw Every Day' with Mr. Dustin and 'Procreate Studio' with Ms. Uli. I call this drawing "Meg", and it was inspired by Disney Princesses. It makes me feel like I am a Disney Character Designer. When I grow up, I want to be a famous artist.

These Outschool art teachers are experts in their fields and champions of creativity.




Whether your kid is just starting their creative journey or has a project ready to go, you’ll find classes that meet them where they are and bring out their best.
Learners ages 6 to 18 in the United States, United Kingdom, (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland only), Australia and Canada (excluding Quebec) (see showcase rules for regional participation limits and award eligibility details) can enter if their family has an active Outschool Membership or enrollment. New to Outschool? Become a member today!
Not at all! The Visual Arts Showcase is open to every eligible learner, whether they’re new to creating art or already taking classes. They don’t need to be enrolled in an Outschool art class to participate. What matters most is their creativity, effort, and artistic voice.
Log in to your Outschool account and fill out the form above. Upload a high-resolution image or a 1-minute video of your learner’s artwork (vertical 9x16 preferred; max 150MB) and add the artwork’s title plus a note about why your learner chose it. If you have trouble uploading, check our troubleshooting tips or contact Outschool Support for help.
Make sure to enter using the parent email linked to your Outschool account. If a teacher invited you to the Showcase, add their profile link so we can thank them. Submitting for more than one learner? Fill out a new form for each.
Artwork should connect to the theme, ‘Something That Inspires Me,’ and must be original and created by the learner. If your learner uses any material they did not create themselves, it must be clearly changed into something new and original, not just copied or lightly edited. AI tools may not be used to create any part of the artwork. Learn more about our submission guidelines here.
Our team reviews your learner’s artwork to make sure it meets the showcase rules and submission guidelines. This could take up to a week. You’ll get an email once it’s in the Showcase. Keep an eye on this page for updates. Entries will appear here when ‘Showcase Favorite’ voting begins on or around March 13.
Submissions can’t be edited once they’ve been sent, so be sure to review your upload and entry form carefully before submitting. Each learner can have only one entry in the Showcase, and judges will review only one submission per participant.
Outschool’s teacher judges review entries for creativity and originality. Learners submit their work in one of two categories: Physical Art (e.g., drawing or painting) or Digital Art (e.g., animation or digital illustration). One finalist is chosen in each age group for each category. Showcase Favorite voting happens on the Showcase page and is open to those aged 18 or older. Public voting for Showcase Favorite is open only to individuals who are legal residents of jurisdictions where participation is lawful. Notwithstanding the foregoing, residents of Canada are not eligible to participate in the public voting portion of the Contest.
Finalists are featured in the live virtual event, and the Showcase Favorite winner is decided by public vote. Entries from Canada are eligible for judging and award selection in all categories except for public voting for the Showcase Favorite award.
The live virtual Showcase will be hosted by Outschool on April 25. It’s a free celebration of the finalists and their artwork, featuring judges and moments highlighting each artist’s creative process and inspiration. Families can join to view the artwork, hear directly from the artists, and celebrate their creativity together.
Two Grand Prize winners, one in each category, each receive a $500 USD Outschool Gift Card, a $500 USD Amazon Gift Card, a featured placement on a Times Square digital billboard, and a one-year Outschool Membership at the $70 USD monthly tier. Finalists receive a $250 USD Outschool Gift Card, and the Showcase Favorite winner receives a $250 USD Outschool Gift Card and a $250 USD Amazon Gift Card. Finalists are announced on April 20, and Grand Prize winners will be announced live at the Showcase event on April 25. Prizes are sent by email after the contest concludes. All prizes are stated in US dollars (USD) or the equivalent amount in local currency, depending on the jurisdiction of residence.