The Regional 2026 Scholastic Art Awards Program recently brought together talented young artists from Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster counties to celebrate their creativity and artistic achievement.

Organized in collaboration with the Hudson Valley Scholastic Art Affiliates—including Dutchess BOCES, the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, the Orange County Arts Council, Orange-Ulster BOCES, and Sullivan BOCES—the annual event was held at SUNY New Paltz on Friday, Feb. 6.

This year, the Hudson Valley Regional Affiliate welcomed 949 middle and high school artists, with an impressive 3,227 works adjudicated. Among the winners, 228 students received Gold Keys, 317 earned Silver Keys, 458 were recognized with Honorable Mentions, and five were awarded the prestigious American Vision Award for exemplary artistic expression.

“Events like this inspire students to continue exploring their creativity and personal expression while reinforcing how vital the arts are to a well-rounded education,” said Merideth Paff, instructional support services coordinator at Sullivan BOCES. Sullivan County students had an outstanding presence in the competition, earning 14 Gold Keys and 26 Silver Keys.

According to Allison Vasko, a Gold and Silver Key winner from Liberty Central School, “Being in the competition represents both my passion for my own work and my excitement to see the creativity of others. Competing alongside students my age allows me to gain inspiration and new perspectives that continue to shape me as an artist. Bringing home seven Gold Keys and five Silver Keys was a huge accomplishment. Because art is so subjective, knowing that people who do not even know me value my work motivates me to keep pushing myself and growing.”

“Art has brought much joy to my life. It allows me to show who I am and what I represent,” said Sebastian Yupanqui, also of Liberty. “Through art, I’ve learned confidence, patience and how to see the world from a different perspective. Being able to express myself through photography is a surreal feeling, and sharing my perspective pushes me to grow as both an artist and an individual.”

Student Honorees:

Liberty Central School

Carlos Garzon-Cruz — 1 Gold Key, 2 Silver Keys

Misael Juarez Perez — 1 Gold Key, 1 Silver Key

Evelyn Molina — 1 Silver Key

Kourtney Perry — 1 Gold Key, 1 Silver Key

Lucio Ponce Vazquez — 1 Gold Key, 4 Silver Keys

Cassandra Porter — 1 Gold Key

Emma Stonick-Florez — 1 Silver Key

Allison Vasko — 7 Gold Keys, 5 Silver Keys

Giuliana Wagner — 3 Silver Keys

Sebastian Yupanqui — 2 Gold Keys, 5 Silver Keys

Monticello Central School

Daniela Loja — 2 Silver Keys

Rockland Central School

Tyler Gorr — 1 Silver Key

“Art has always been an important part of my life, and creating—whether through photography, painting, or making gifts for others—is something I truly love,” Vasko added. “Having art as part of my coursework gives me a class to look forward to each day, where I can express my thoughts and gain insight from my peers.”

Hudson Valley–based artist Liz Nielsen, known for her innovative photographic work, served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker. Her work, exhibited nationally and internationally, is recognized for its distinctive “light paintings,” created without a camera in an analog color darkroom using traditional photographic processes. Each piece is produced by exposing light-sensitive paper by hand, resulting in vibrant, large-scale images.

Nielsen shared insights into her artistic journey, recalling how, as a child, she viewed the world through bags filled with water and food coloring to experience shifting colors and perspectives. Today, her work explores the idea of portals and themes that evoke emotion and personal connection.

She encouraged students to “surround yourself with people who believe in you,” remain committed to their craft, and “keep making your work—don’t stop.” She also advised young artists to keep a reminder of their ideas close at hand so they can continue creating and developing their vision.

Students receiving Gold Keys in categories such as architecture, ceramics, design, drawing, painting, illustration, photography, mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, film, and conceptual or installation art advance to national adjudication by a panel of leading creative professionals. National Gold Medalists are announced in March and honored during a special awards ceremony in June.

The American Vision Award, one of the program’s highest honors, is presented to just five works that best exemplify originality and personal artistic style.

“On behalf of the Hudson Valley Regional Scholastic Affiliate, we are proud of the artistic accomplishments of our students and wish our Gold Key winners luck as their work moves through national adjudication,” Paff said.