Art Kit Challenge 2025

Step into a child’s world of possibility: create something extraordinary with the same simple tools we give kids to spark their imagination.

The Art Kit Challenge is a curated exhibition and online auction benefiting Give Kids Art. Selected artists will receive our signature Art Kits in the mail, filled with the same materials we share with thousands of underserved kids. Your mission is to craft an original artwork inspired by our creative prompt, using only what’s inside the Art Kit (and, if you’d like, a few common household items, like tin foil or salt). You’ll have six weeks to complete your piece.

This fall, your artwork will be showcased in our online gallery and 10-day auction, where every bid helps bring joy, self-expression, and creativity to kids who need it most.

Artists will be responsible for shipping their artwork to the winning bidders and may request reimbursement for shipping expenses up to a designated amount. Have more questions? See our FAQs below.

Spots are limited — come play, create fearlessly, and make a difference!

TIMELINE

Please read carefully before applying!

  • August 1st — Artist Applications Due

  • August 4th — Artists Notified

  • August 6th - 15th — Art Kits Delivered to Selected Artists

  • September 21st — ALL ARTWORKS COMPLETED (Note: you will keep your artwork, but on this date, all images of final artworks are due to Give Kids Art for preparing the auction site)

  • October 9th - 19th — Online Auction Live

Apply HEre:

 

Frequently ASked Questions:

  • Anyone! Artists of all mediums and levels of experience are completely welcome to apply. This is a completely open call for submission. At Give Kids Art, everyone is an artist — you do not need to be an artist by profession to participate in our challenge.

  • Artists will be selected based on alignment with Give Kids Art’s mission and the spirit of this year’s theme. We aim to include a diverse, thoughtful group of creators whose work reflects the power of imagination, hope, and self-expression.

  • The Art Kits will be almost identical to those we distribute to children in underserved communities across the U.S. with a few small tweaks to better suit the artists for this challenge.

    The Art Kits may include the following:

    • White mixed media paper

    • Black construction paper

    • White paint pens

    • 8 × 10 canvas

    • White cardboard craft panel

    • Crayons

    • Watercolor set

    • Paint brushes

    • Oil pastels

    • Colored markers

    • Colored pencils

    • Kids scissors

    • Pipe cleaners

    • Black pen

    • Packs of white model magic

    • No. 2 pencil

    • Mini blank notebooks

    • Permanent marker

    • Glitter glue 

    • Elmer's glue stick

    • This year’s prompt!

    • And more

  • There are no size or dimension constraints as long as you are willing and able to ship your artwork to a buyer!

  • Artists are encouraged to stick to the Art Kit materials but may also use anything that could reasonably be considered an everyday household item, such as tin foil or salt. Please avoid using traditional fine art supplies not included in the Art Kit—such as acrylic paint, oil paint, specialty inks, etc. The goal is to stay in the spirit of the challenge: using limited tools, unlimited imagination!

  • When your artwork is done, we will ask that you send high quality photos of it to us, so we can place it for bid in our online auction! Then, you’ll hold onto it until the 10-day auction concludes. If your piece is purchased, you will be responsible for shipping the artwork to the buyer. Give Kids Art will handle the coordination between you!

    You’re also welcome to apply non-aesthetic finishes to help preserve your piece, such as a sealant or varnish.

  • If you are selected to participate and receive an Art Kit but are not able to complete your artwork for some reason, we kindly ask that you make a donation of $35 to Give Kids Art to cover the supplies we sent to you plus the shipping expense.

    Please look closely at the timeline to ensure that you are able to participate in the full process before applying.

  • Selected artists will receive this year’s prompt in their Art Kits!

  • With your permission, we would love to add your artwork to our online store for future buyers to see! All sales from our online shop directly support our programs.

  • Yes, please! This is part of the fun! When you submit photos of your final piece, you will have the opportunity to share with us what supplies you used to bring it to life.