We are excited to share an inspiring opportunity for our students:
The 2026 FAI International Aviation Art Contest, an international art competition that celebrates imagination, creativity, and the future of flight.

This contest invites young artists ages 6 to 17 to explore themes related to aviation, aerospace, and the freedom of flight through visual art. It is not simply about drawing airplanes—it is about imagining the future, telling stories through art, and connecting creativity with science and technology.

How the Contest Works

The competition takes place in several meaningful stages:

1. State Level
Students submit their artwork to their state aviation authority, where entries are reviewed and judged locally.
2. National Level (Washington, DC)
Each state selects top entries to advance to the U.S. national competition, managed by NASAO (National Association of State Aviation Officials) in partnership with the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). National winners are announced in March, with cash prizes sponsored by the AMCG Foundation.
3. International Level (Switzerland)
Winning U.S. entries are then sent to FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) headquarters in Switzerland, where international winners are selected and announced in June.
This structure allows students to experience how their artwork can travel from a local community to a global stage.

Why This Contest Is Meaningful for Students

The FAI International Aviation Art Contest is especially valuable because it:

• Encourages creative thinking connected to real-world science and technology
• Introduces students to STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)
• Helps students understand that art can communicate ideas about the future
• Builds confidence by allowing students to participate in a national and international-level competition
• Provides strong material for art portfolios and academic records, regardless of awards

Winning is not the only goal. The process of researching, imagining, and expressing ideas visually is where the real learning happens.

Our Approach

Our students will be preparing their submissions thoughtfully, focusing on:

• Clear connections to aviation and flight
• Original ideas and storytelling
• Personal vision rather than copying existing images

We believe this contest is a wonderful opportunity for students to see how far their creativity can go—sometimes even across borders.
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We look forward to supporting our young artists as they prepare their work for the 2026 FAI International Aviation Art Contest.

Good news for students and families preparing submissions for the Google Doodle Contest:

The submission deadline has been extended to December 17.

This extension offers valuable extra time for participants who are still refining their ideas or finalizing their artwork. For many students, the creative process involves exploration, revision, and reflection, and this added time allows them to strengthen both their visual design and their written statement.

The Google Doodle Contest is not only about drawing skills. Judges look closely at

• how thoughtfully the theme is interpreted,
• how clearly the student’s personal voice comes through, and
• how effectively the artwork communicates an idea or story.
  
  

If your submission is nearly complete, this is a good opportunity to review a few final details:

• Is the word “Google” still clearly recognizable within the design?
• Do the colors and composition support the main idea?
• Does the written explanation clearly describe the intention behind the artwork?
  
  

A few extra days can make a meaningful difference. Rather than rushing, students are encouraged to use this time to reflect, refine, and submit work they feel proud of.
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Final Google Doodle Contest submission deadline: December 17

Every December, the village of Port Jefferson transforms into a Victorian-era storybook during the annual Dickens Festival, and this year the celebration feels more magical than ever. Amid the carolers, horse-drawn carriages, and festive street performances, one of the most vibrant highlights can be found inside the Port Jefferson gallery, where the winter exhibition welcomes visitors with warmth, art, and the spirit of the season.
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As soon as you step inside, the contrast from the lively streets to the softly lit gallery offers a moment of calm. Christmas trees line the entrance, each decorated with intentional color palettes and handcrafted ornaments. The gallery’s holiday installations—fireplace displays, wreath arrangements, and velvet drapery—create a visual atmosphere that feels both theatrical and intimate, perfectly aligned with the Dickensian theme.

This year’s exhibition features a collection of works by the Night Heron Artists, representing a wide range of mediums from painting to photography. Visitors can enjoy the richness of seasonal colors, the craftsmanship of each piece, and the way the gallery integrates art with immersive holiday décor. It is an exhibition that invites not only viewing but lingering—walking slowly from one corner to another, absorbing how each artwork interacts with the warm glow of the season.

I am grateful to have three of my own works included in this year’s show. Seeing them in this setting—surrounded by garlands, glittering trees, and generous lighting—reminds me of how art transforms when it enters a shared space. It becomes part of the collective holiday experience for visitors, bridging the private world of creation with the public celebration of community and culture.

​If you are visiting the Dickens Festival this weekend, the Port Jefferson gallery is a place worth stepping into. Whether you are seeking a quiet retreat from the crowds, looking for meaningful holiday inspiration, or simply wishing to enjoy local art in a beautifully curated environment, the gallery offers a memorable stop within the festivities.

The exhibition will remain open throughout the festival, and all visitors are welcome. I hope many people can experience the warmth of the space and the creativity it holds before returning to the lively magic of the village streets.

As of December 2025, I wanted to share a Canva discount code that you can actually use right now. Most Canva coupons you find online tend to be expired or simply do not work, but this one was fully valid and extremely helpful. There is one important note, though: the code can typically be used only once per account, so it is best to save it for a moment when you truly need to print something.
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I recently used this discount for printing my annual calendar. I design and print a calendar every year, and while Canva’s printing service is on the pricier side, the quality has always been exceptional. The colors are consistent, the paper feels premium, and the overall finish is reliable enough that I continue using Canva year after year. With this discount code, the cost was noticeably lower, which made the experience even better—especially for larger print projects like calendars.

Preparing for an art competition is not just about drawing a picture.
It is a wonderful opportunity for children to think independently, express themselves, and grow through the creative process. Many children feel excited but also a little nervous when entering a contest, and that is perfectly normal. With gentle guidance and the right tools, this journey becomes meaningful, confidence-building, and fun.
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Here are 12 essential tips to help children prepare for an art competition in a healthy, inspiring way.

1. Explore Previous Winning Entries Together

Before starting, look at past winning artworks with your child.
Talk about what stands out, what emotions the artworks evoke, and what ideas the artists used.
This helps children understand that there are countless creative possibilities and no single “correct” answer in art.

2. Capture the “Feeling” of the Theme First

Before drawing, encourage your child to think about how the theme feels.
For example: “Does a frog feel slippery and cool, or soft and friendly?”
When children connect emotionally with a topic, their artwork naturally becomes more alive and expressive.

3. Immerse in a Variety of Related Images

Show your child various images related to the competition theme—different species, environments, or viewpoints.
For example, if the theme is frogs, explore habitats, species, or environmental issues such as extinction.
This helps children build visual vocabulary and unique ideas.

4. Encourage Free Brainstorming

Provide a separate page where your child can doodle freely, write notes, or paste ideas.
Like Leonardo da Vinci’s sketchbooks, spontaneous thoughts can lead to brilliant creations.

5. Practice Drawing Bold and Large

Children tend to draw very small when they’re unsure.
Encourage them to draw confidently and allow their subject to take up space.
Bold shapes make artwork stronger and easier to see from a distance.

6. Teach the Concept of Negative Space

Show children how to notice not only the object itself but also the space around and between objects.
Understanding negative space helps create balance and harmony in any composition.

7. Explore Different Angles and Perspectives

Teach your child to view their subject from above, below, or from the side.
Unique perspectives help their artwork stand out in competitions.

8. Use Colors Boldly and Freely

Encourage children to experiment with colors, including complementary contrasts.
Guide gently, but let them make the final color choices—this is part of their artistic ownership.

9. Experiment with Different Media

Introduce a variety of materials beyond pencils and crayons.
Washi tape, yarn, textured paper, or air-dry clay can broaden creative possibilities.
Unique materials often make a piece memorable to judges.

10. Limit Text and Focus on Visual Storytelling

Children may want to explain their artwork with words.
Teach them that strong art tells a story visually.
If text is included, it should be naturally woven into the artwork, like a banner or sign within the scene.

11. Check for Inappropriate Content and Copyright Issues

Remind children to avoid copying characters or using copyrighted elements such as video game items.
Use this moment to teach them the importance of originality and respecting others’ work.

12. Normalize Mistakes and Revisions

Mistakes are not failures. They are part of the creative journey.
Encourage children to revise, add details, and strengthen their artwork over time.
Even great artists like Leonardo da Vinci revised their works countless times.

Final Thoughts

​Art competitions can be exciting milestones for children, but the true value lies in the process—exploring ideas, experimenting with materials, thinking deeply, and discovering confidence in their own creativity. When children enjoy the journey, their artwork naturally reflects joy, curiosity, and imagination.