Following the success of their first CYA competition, which saw over 600 visitors, the organisers are delighted to announce the CHELTENHAM YOUNG ARTIST 2026 to celebrate pupils’ art in the Cheltenham area.
Entries are open to both primary and secondary schools. This will culminate in fifty works from Primary and Secondary being framed and displayed in a public exhibition at the Gardens Gallery in Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham over the weekend of January 17th and 18th, 2026.
Exhibited young artists will be invited to an awards ceremony at the gallery on Sunday 17th January at 3pm. Each artist will receive a certificate and awards announced with art prizes for commended and Cash prizes for the top 3 in each section as chosen by the judges. There is also a trophy for the Best School Entry and a public choice.
ARTWORK DETAILS
- each pupil can enter ONE art work
- A4 in size
- on the theme ‘My favourite thing’
- medium 2D: paint, pencil, crayon, pastels, inks, acrylics (no oil, collage or photography)
On the back, please print:
- Artwork title
- Pupil’s name
- Pupil’s age
- School name
- Teacher’s contact
- School email
DEADLINE
Entries close on Friday 12 December 2025.
SUBMITTING ARTWORK
Entries can be delivered to collection boxes with in the opening hours at:
- LIBRARIES: Bishop’s Cleeve, Prestbury, Charlton Kings, Hester’s Way, Up Hatherley &
Churchdown - COFFEE#1: Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham
- or posted to:
CYA 26, co/ Churchdown Village Junior School, Station Road, Churchdown, GL3 2JX
We are indebted to Cheltenham Round Table, The Paragon Gallery, Art Union and Cheltenham Art Council for their superb sponsorship.
