Who Is America’s Most Artistic Kid?
The America’s Most Artistic Kid competition brings together the country’s most imaginative young creators for a chance to turn their passion into something unforgettable.
One young artist will display their artwork in the Minnetrista Museum, appear on a special episode of The Joy of Painting, and take home $20,000!
DOLLARS RAISED IN 2026
$1,665,882
Benefiting
Formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Blood Cancer United is on a mission to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families around the world.
2026 America’s Most Artistic Kid
Pearse
Bold, energetic, and full of color, Pearse transforms life into vibrant artwork. She explores her creativity through crocheting, welding, and ceramics, but feels most connected to painting. She recently designed a 260-foot mural for her local YMCA, and inspired her community to come together to donate materials and paint it.
Hosted By
David Arquette
Actor, visual artist, and longtime fan David Arquette is a Certified Ross Instructor® who blends his street-art roots with painted landscapes. He inspired competitors and led them through exclusive virtual workshops.
The Man Who Thought Everyone Was an Artist
In Partnership With
As our champion, Pearse will appear on an upcoming episode of The Joy of Painting with Nicholas Hankins, take home $20,000, and display her art in the Minnetrista Museum & Gardens’ Bob Ross Experience exhibit!
Artist’s Pick
Cadence
Strikingly realistic and expressive, Cadence’s oil paintings reflect discipline and heart. Creating art since age two, the self-taught artist is inspired by her late uncle and feels his guidance in every layer. She's headed to art school this fall and is writing and illustrating three children’s books.
In Partnership With
Nicholas Hankins
Nicholas Hankins is a Certified Ross Instructor and the on-air host of The Joy of Painting with Nicholas Hankins: Bob Ross’ Unfinished Season. He will paint with Pearse on an upcoming episode, and he personally selected Cadence to display her art in the museum.
Minnetrista Museum & Gardens
In Partnership With
Located in Muncie, Indiana, The Minnestrista is home to the Bob Ross Experience, an immersive exhibition that showcases Bob’s life and work with a recreated television studio, 1980s-style living room, art gallery, painting workshop, original artworks, and artifacts.