Fine Arts Competition 2026

Watch the Judges' invitation to take part!

Show your creative side for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship to a Participating University!

Our 13-18-year-old diploma and full-time students are invited to:

  • Register by 8 February and sign the terms,

  • Start creating,

  • Send us two progress updates,

  • And submit the final piece by 28 February.

Choose your favorite medium

In this competition, you can choose any of these for your submission:

  • Painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor)

  • Drawing (pencil, ink, charcoal)

  • Sculpture (clay, wood, metal, stone)

  • Mixed Media (collage, assemblage)

  • Printmaking (linocut, etching)

  • Textile Art (fabric-based works)

Theme

“Dear Future Me” – Illustrate your future self or life goals.

Objective

We aim to create opportunities that allow you to showcase your talents, hone your skills, and plan for your future.

Prizes

Win a scholarship to one of our Participating Universities:

1st place: $1,000 scholarship

2nd place: $500 scholarship

3rd place: $250 scholarship

Other benefits

All participants are entered into a raffle to win one free registration to our Leadership Conference in Greece this year!

Winners will be showcased on this website and spotlighted by Hudson Global Scholars.

Add it to your CV when applying to university and internships to show initiative and display your talents.

Submissions

We find your creating process as important as the result; therefore, this competition requires two progress update submissions throughout the process, as well as one after your final piece is ready.

8 February: Registrations close

28 February: Final Deadline for 2 progress updates & final submission.

End March: Final Judging Decisions Announced

Timeline

Step 1: Register and sign the Terms & Conditions (by 8 February)

Step 2: Submit 1st progress update video and photos of you with your art, explaining your process (suggested by 15 Feb, latest by 28 Feb)

Step 3: Submit 2nd progress update video and photos of you with your art, explaining your process (suggested by 22 Feb, latest by 28 Feb)

Step 4: Submit final piece photos and videos of your completed piece, and make sure all updates are also submitted by this date to ensure eligibility (by 28 Feb)

Judging Criteria

Reflection & Growth 40%

Able to reflect on the process and show the process of growth/learning.

Technical Skill 20%

Demonstrates proficiency in chosen medium.

Originality 30%

Original and imaginative approach to the theme, with clear explanation. Work is authentic (and not copied or AI-generated).

Theme Relevance 10%

Clearly connects to the competition theme.

Guest Artist Judges

Willis Ceramics is a family business with over 40 years of experience making and teaching pottery in Greece.

Christine teaches pottery and art therapy, produces signature pieces like her octopus globe, is developing the first Master’s level pottery curriculum for a national program, and has participated in countless shows and workshops around the globe.

Bruce has joined the family business producing pottery and shipping across Europe, but also runs his own successful pottery studio, teaching daily sold-out classes at To Laspotirion.

Gretl began oil painting at age nine and spending over twenty years exploring various mediums and traditional techniques. She ultimately returned to her true passion—oil painting—focusing on still lifes and close-up nature studies. During her time in Greece, she opened her own small workshop gallery and organized as well as participated in three group exhibitions.

HGS Judges

HGS alumna, Florida International University, USA

“You only live once.” Who knows what opportunities you will have after participating? Give it a try and find out!

Mariia Shevchenko

Sevde Metin

HGS alumna, (Pre-Med) at Cleveland State University, USA

“Participating in the arts gives students the courage to express themselves and explore their potential beyond academics. Trying something new can open doors you didn’t even know existed, all it takes is giving it a go.'“

Louise Jackson

Electives Instructor

“I hope you will take this opportunity to express yourself through art and step outside the box. You can also earn a scholarship while applying your skills of creativity.”

Student Advising Manager

“Giving the arts a try isn’t about being perfect. It’s about discovering your voice, building courage, and allowing yourself to grow in ways you never expected.”

Rukayat Olunlade

Angela Hughes

Senior Program Manager, Head of School, PCDGC

“This competition is meant to be fun. Take a moment to enjoy the process and use it as a modality to express yourself. I can't wait to see what you create!”

Art & Electives Teacer

“The greatest thing you will discover is yourself.”

Ariel Price-Johnson

Full-Time English Teacher

"To practice any art, no matter how well or how badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven's sake. So do it." - Kurt Vonnegut.

Jeanette Harshaw

Adam Morton

Art Teacher

“It's time to explore the greatest nation your imagination. This is your chance to express yourself and have your artwork seen. Enter today!”

Allison Sobey

University Advising Specialist

“Share your creativity with the world and let your imagination shine by joining our online art competition! It’s a fun chance to express yourself, gain recognition, win a scholarship and inspire others through your art.”