1st Place: Imane T., Age 10
"My STEAM Superpower is art. I will use it to inspire the people I care about, at home, school or anywhere!"
The Annual Art Contest
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This year’s theme was “PBS Kansas Kids Think Big!” Our young artists drew a picture of what they want to be when they grow up. We loved learning about their dreams and seeing their amazing artwork!
This year, a winner was selected from each age group that entered. Their artwork will be featured on the art gallery wall in the PBS Kansas Cochener-Garvey Children’s Education & Discovery. The winning drawings will also come to life and be part of the September episode of “Melvin Mania.” The episode premieres Monday, Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m.
All the entries will be included in a binder in the Education & Discovery Center so all our visitors can view the awesome entries. Thank you to everyone who supported the creative efforts of our young artists!
2026 Think Big Art Contest Winners
2026 Art Contest Support Provided By:
2025 Winners
Thank you to everyone who submitted entries for the 2025 Art Contest! The theme was PBS Kansas Kids Spread Smiles and more than 100 young artists participated from across Kansas.
1st Place
Hi, my name is Smiley Bloom. He was made from bright colors and silly shapes so he will spread smiles to everyone that sees him.
2nd Place
In my picture, Fillisity the Fantastic Fairy goes around with Wanda the wonderful wand to make everyone happy. The yellow sparkles represent the people’s happiness. Wanda is so powerful she can make even nonliving things like the sun happy.
3rd Place
My character is Super Seahorse, and he makes people happy by rescuing them from drowning.
Honorable Mention
Donut.
Honorable Mention
My character is a raindrop and every time a raindrop hits the ground it sparkles. Her name is Sparkle Sprinkles.
Honorable Mention
Device Bear is cute because people like bears and he’s rainbow and rainbows make people smile.
Honorable Mention
My name is Sunny Shine! I shine bright and make people smile and laugh.
Honorable Mention
This is Cactus Pants. He travels across the galaxy saving planets and helping others.
Honorable Mention
This is Teedy. Teedy lives in Wichita. He loves colors and to help others. Teedy likes to sell ice cold lemonade to make people happy.
Honorable Mention
The girl is giving medicines to grandma. Marlene’s kindness will make people smile.
Honorable Mention
My character’s name is Bob. He makes people happy by dancing and changing colors.
2024 Winners
Thank you to everyone who submitted entries for the 2024 Art Contest! The theme was PBS Kansas Kids Love the Earth and more than 100 young artists participated from across Kansas.
Sovonna S. / Age 6 / 1st Place
Xavier C. / Age 10 / 2nd Place
Gage C. / Age 7 / 3rd Place
Carol A. / Age 5 / Honorable Mention
Jessica A. / Age 8 / Honorable Mention
Kyah B. / Age 4 / Honorable Mention
Brandon C. / Age 10 / Honorable Mention
Evangeline C. / Age 7 / Honorable Mention
Landon G. / Age 6 / Honorable Mention
Henry H. / Age 9 / Honorable Mention
2023 Winners
Thank you to everyone who submitted entries for the 2023 Art Contest! Last year's theme was My STEAM Superpower, and more than 100 young artists participated from across Kansas.
2nd Place: Xavier C., Age 9
"My art work is called the Meal-O-Matick. It knows every recipe in the work. It is used for cooking for people and teaching people to cook."
3rd Place: Abbie M., Age 4
"I love art and making beautiful pictures"