Step into a child’s world of possibility – and create from a place of freedom, curiosity, and imagination.

Create Fearlessly is a curated art initiative culminating in an online exhibition and auction benefiting Give Kids Art.

We invite artists to create an original work inspired by the same spirit of open-ended, fearless creativity that we nurture in children across the country. Each participating artist will receive a Give Kids Art Kit as a shared point of inspiration — an invitation to begin from the same place, and take it somewhere entirely their own.

Rather than focusing on materials, this experience is about process: following curiosity, letting go of perfection, and exploring what emerges when there is no “right” way to create.

You’ll have approximately eight weeks to develop your piece.

This fall, your artwork will be showcased in our online gallery and 10-day auction, offering supporters the opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind work while helping bring joy, self-expression, and creativity to kids who need it most.

Artists are responsible for shipping their artwork to the winning bidder 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!

Cover image credit: Maria Costa

TIMELINE

Please read carefully before applying!

  • May 31st — Artist Applications Due

  • June 10th — Artists Notified

  • June 15-25th — Art Kits Delivered to Selected Artists

  • August 31st — 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 8th - 18th — Online Auction Live

Apply HEre:

 

Frequently ASked Questions:

  • We welcome artists of all backgrounds and experience levels who feel connected to our mission and are excited to explore this creative experience. At Give Kids Art, everyone is an artist!

  • Artists will be selected based on alignment with Give Kids Art’s mission, creativity, 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.

  • Each artist will receive an Art Kit similar to those shared with children in our programs.

    The Art Kit is intended as a creative starting point — an invitation to explore, experiment, and interpret freely.

    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 approach their work in whatever way feels most authentic to their practice. The Art Kit serves as a point of inspiration, but there are no strict limitations on materials.

  • 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.