The 44th Annual Art Day at Highland Community College brought young artists to campus Thursday, April 16, 2026, to showcase their creativity and skill. The theme was the Great Art Day Caper. This year, 42 high schools brought 741 students, and 1,074 works of art.
High school students competed in a variety of individual and team categories. Among the top individual honors were
- Lyla Blatell of Spring Hill High School earned first place in the Self Portrait contest
- Connie Butrick of Central High School claimed the Draw for Keeps title, and
- Sydney Esch of St. James Academy took the top honor in the Cosplay/Costume contest
In three-dimensional art,
- Clifton-Clyde High School won the Team Clay/Sculpture competition
- Shawnee Heights High School stood out in wheel throwing
- Ally Rookstool winning the student division (16.5 inches) and
- Ryan Padget (teacher) taking the teacher division (15 inches)
The teacher competition had a twist this year with competitors blindfolded while battling
for the tallest vessel.
Sidewalk chalk competitions highlighted team creativity again this year, with
- Holton High School placing third
- Central High School second, and
- Gardner-Edgerton High School earning first place
Savannah High School placed third in the Art History contest, followed by Paola High School in second and Hiawatha High School taking first. Hiawatha’s Matthew Leahy was recognized as the winning teacher in the category.
Overall school awards were divided by classification. In the 1A–3A division, Uniontown High School placed third, Sabetha High School second and Prairie View High School first. In the 4A–6A division, Shawnee Heights High School placed third, Washburn Rural High School second and Gardner-Edgerton High School captured first.
"Art Day has been nurturing creativity, building community, and enriching students’ lives for 44 years. We are one of the original Art Days, and according to the long-time attendees, we repeatedly are reminded that ours is the best Art Day. We take immense pride in this event, not just celebrating what the students make on canvas or in clay, but the brighter futures we inspire through shared imagination," reflected Sam Perkins, HCC Graphic Design Instructor.