Since 1999, Northern Nevada middle and high school students have been invited to submit their artwork to the Scholastic Art Awards competition. The Museum’s annual presentation of the Scholastic Awards is scheduled in conjunction with the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, a national program designed to identify America’s most gifted young artists and writers. This program has honored some of our nation’s most celebrated artists including Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath, Michael Sarich, Cindy Sherman, Robert Redford, and Andy Warhol.
Students in grades 7-12 (age 13 and up) submit their art which is then judged by a panel of local artists and art professionals. Artworks are eligible for the highest award of Gold Key, followed by a Silver Key, or an Honorable Mention based on originality, technical skill, and an emergence of a personal vision. Along with going on to compete in the national competition, select works will be shown in a joint exhibition presented by the Nevada Museum of Art, the School of the Arts, and the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Nevada, Reno.
American Visions Nominated Works
Nevada Museum of Art | E.L. Cord Museum School
February 7 – February 21, 2026
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday | 10 am – 6 pm
Gold Key Works
Sheppard Contemporary | Church Fine Arts, University of Nevada, Reno
February 7 – February 21, 2026
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday | 12 – 4 pm
Saturday | 10 am – 2 pm
Parking is available at the Brian J. Whalen Parking Complex, bottom floor.
Award Ceremony
Nightingale Concert Hall | Church Fine Arts, University of Nevada, Reno
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 10 am
We invite Gold and Silver Key award recipients to be honored during this special ceremony. Invited guests are required to RSVP by Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Sponsors
The Nell J. Redfield Foundation
Heidimarie Rochlin
Wild Women Artists
Peek Family Charitable Foundation
